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Galatians
BC Weekly Digest Monday, November 1 1999 In this issue: Galatians 4:21-31 Galatians 4:28 Galatians 4:12-20 Galatians 4:21-31 Galatians 4:21-31 Galatians 4:21-31 (ASV) 21 Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law? 22 For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, one by the handmaid, and one by the freewoman. 23 Howbeit the [son] by the handmaid is born after the flesh; but the [son] by the freewoman [is born] through promise. 24 Which things contain an allegory: for these [women] are two covenants; one from mount Sinai, bearing children unto bondage, which is Hagar. 25 Now this Hagar is mount Sinai in Arabia and answereth to the Jerusalem that now is: for she is in bondage with her children. 26 But the Jerusalem that is above is free, which is our mother. 27 For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; Break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: For more are the children of the desolate than of her that hath the husband. 28 Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are children of promise. 29 But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him [that was born] after the Spirit, so also it is now. 30 Howbeit what saith the scripture? Cast out the handmaid and her son: for the son of the handmaid shall not inherit with the son of the freewoman. 31 Wherefore, brethren, we are not children of a handmaid, but of the freewoman. (Comments by Howard Justice) *4:21 "Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law?" Paul asks a rhetorical question, "You Christians who desire to be in subjection to the law (of Moses), do you even know the law?" It is apparent that they did not know the entire law as well as he did. Paul chides them for their wanting to follow some system of law with which they, as Gentile converts, had very little acquaintance. Just like the "sabbatarians" of today who do not really keep the Sabbath according to the law, they were keeping a small part of the law but had rejected the rest. Once one decides to keep any system of law, including the now defunct law of Moses, he becomes accountable under the entire system of law (Galatians 5:3; James 2:10). In Hebrews 10:1, the writer tells us that those who would draw nigh through the law (of Moses) can NEVER be made perfect. Why? Because it was an imperfect and a temporary law which prepared the way for Christ who fulfilled it. We must remember that the reason for law is to point out man's transgressions toward God and to show the need for redemption and reconciliation unto God. The law of Moses did just that. But the blood of bulls and goats could never take away (completely erase) the stain of sin as does the blood of Christ (Hebrews 10:4). *4:22 "For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, one by the handmaid, and one by the freewoman." Paul begins to make a comparison between the sons of Abraham: Ishmael and Isaac. He points out that both of them were indeed his sons. But he makes a distinction that only one was his true son by his wife whereas the other was a son by his wife's handmaid. *4:23 "Howbeit the [son] by the handmaid is born after the flesh; but the [son] by the freewoman [is born] through promise." It was the futile attempt to second-guess God that caused the birth of Ishmael. And because he was not the son that was promised unto Abraham and Sarah, he was not the inheritor. *4:24 "Which things contain an allegory: for these [women] are two covenants; one from mount Sinai, bearing children unto bondage, which is Hagar." It would be worthy here to understand two basic aspects of dealing fairly with prophecy, parables and allegories such as this one. (1) A "type" can never typify itself. This means that the word-picture presented is not the actual description of a literal person, place or thing but that it is a figure used to emphasize the point under consideration. It is simply a metaphor. (2) A word-picture in prophecy that is physical in nature usually indicates a spiritual change, occasion or manifestation. A good example is the book of Revelation which uses many such word-pictures to emphasize spiritual realities. We, as Christians, must remember that we are not the physical nation of Israel but that we are indeed the spiritual nation (1 Peter 2:5): "Ye also, as living stones, are built up a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." He explains that this is an allegory or an example that teaches a moral or ethical point. The point here is that the "son of promise," Isaac, was chosen to be the inheritor of God's blessings because he was the son God had promised. *4:25 "Now this Hagar is mount Sinai in Arabia and answereth to the Jerusalem that now is: for she is in bondage with her children." Here, Hagar, the handmaiden of Sarah, is compared to Mt. Sinai, where the law of Moses was given. The law of Moses was a "fleshly" law because it required a continual sacrifice of animals and was a civil system of law as well. This "Jerusalem that now is" refers to the physical descendants of Jacob. They were in bondage to sin, because they had not accepted the Messiah God had sent to them (see John 8:30-36). *4:26 "But the Jerusalem that is above is free, which is our mother." The other woman, Sarah, is compared to Jerusalem, the holy city. In Isaiah 2:1-5, the prophet foretold that God would build a new house in the top of the mountains (Jerusalem). This was the divine promise made unto men just as Isaac was promised to be born unto Sarah. This refers to the spiritual kingdom of Israel, that holy kingdom, that royal priesthood under Christ Jesus. He is our high priest and we are His brethren in the family of God (See Romans 8:15-17). *4:27 "For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; Break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: For more are the children of the desolate than of her that hath the husband." This is a direct reference to Isaiah 54:1-5 which foretells the coming of the kingdom of Christ. It refers to all believers in the Messiah who would number far more that those whom God had favored because of their physical descent from Abraham. Though God promised Abraham a great nation, His intent was that it would not be a Jewish nation but rather a holy and a spiritual nation that would come through Jesus Christ. In Matthew 8:11, Christ tells us that men will come from all parts of the earth to the kingdom of Heaven. *4:28 "Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are children of promise." Paul notes here that Christians are the children of promise who were foretold to come through Jesus, the direct descendant of the tribe of Judah. We are not the physical children but rather the spiritual children of God's great promise made to Abraham. *4:29 "But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him [that was born] after the Spirit, so also it is now." Paul makes the point that just like Ishmael made fun of Isaac, and the descendants of Ishmael persecuted the descendants of Isaac, even so the physical descendants of Abraham were persecuting the Christians, the spiritual descendants of Abraham. *4:30 "Howbeit what saith the scripture? Cast out the handmaid and her son: for the son of the handmaid shall not inherit with the son of the freewoman." Just as God had demanded the casting out of the handmaiden and her son, even now, He demands that we cast out the ordinances of Judaism, the law of Moses. Christians are NOT to keep the law of Moses. They are to keep the law of the Spirit (the law of Christ): "For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus made me free from the law of sin and of death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God, sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: that the ordinance of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit" (Romans 8:2-4 ASV). *4:31 "Wherefore, brethren, we are not children of a handmaid, but of the freewoman." The only conclusion that one can draw from this allegory is that those who continue to desire the keeping of a fleshly law, the law of Moses, are the children of the handmaid whereas those who have put away that law in favor of the law of Christ are the children of promise just as the promise was made unto Sarah. Christians are a spiritual people whereas Jews (the keepers of the law of Moses) are a fleshly people with no inheritance through their serving under the law of Moses. Howard Justice ------------------------------ Galatians 4:28 Galatians 4:28(ASV) Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are children of promise. Comments by J.Lee Roberts The apostle Paul goes to great lengths to let it be known that the true children of God today are not the physical descendents of Abraham, but those of all nations who manifest the same obedient faith as Abraham - these are the children of promise! These are the true Israel of God. "So you see it is men of faith who are the sons of Abraham... So then, those who are men of faith are blessed with Abraham who had faith" Galatians 3:7,9 (RSV). It was by faith that Abraham obeyed God and for an inheritance looked forward to a heavenly reward, a better country - a city built by God. Read Hebrews 11:8-16. God chooses to recognize as His children those of all nations who exhibit this kind of obedient faith, -and certainly not all of those who are fleshly descendents of the patriarch posseded such faith. "This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of of the promise are reckoned as descendents...For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel" Romans 9:6-8. And Paul writes in Romans 2:28,29 "For he is not a real Jew who is one outwardly, nor is true circumcision something external and physical. He is a real Jew who is one inwardly, and real circumcision is a matter of the heart, spiritual and not literal .." Paul repeats this concept when writing to the Philippians (3:3), reminding them that "... we are the true circumcision who worship God in spirit, and glory in Christ Jesus, and put no confidence in the flesh." The true spiritual descendents of Abraham, the true children of promise, are those who through faith in Christ have put Him on in baptism ..." for in Christ Jesus you are sons of God through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ ... then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise" Galatians 3:26-29. "See what love the father has given us, that we should be called children of God.." 1 John 3:1 J. Lee Roberts ------------------------------ Galatians 4:12-20 Galatians 4:12-20 (OPV) 12 I plead with you, brethren: Be as I [am], since I [am] also as you [are]. You did not discriminate against me at all. 13 You know that I first preached the gospel to you because of an infirmity of the flesh. 14 And for you, the affliction in my flesh was not something you despised or rejected, but you received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus. 15 Where then is that satisfaction of yours? For I bear you witness that, if possible, you would have plucked out your eyes and given them to me. 16 So then, have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth? 17 They are zealous for you, but for nothing good. They want to set you apart, so you may be zealous for them. 18 Now it is good for zeal to be shown at all times in that which is good, and not only when I am present with you, 19 my little children, with whom I am again in labor until Christ is formed in you. 20 I wish I could be present with you right now, and could change my tone, for I am perplexed about you. Comments by Roy Davison *4:12 "I plead with you, brethren: Be as I [am], since I [am] also as you [are]." There has been much discussion as to how they were to be as he was, and in what way he was as they were. In saying he was like them, he probably refers to his cultural adaptation to those to whom he preached: "And to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, not being myself under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; to them that are without law, as without law, not being without law to God, but under law to Christ, that I might gain them that are without law. To the weak I became weak, that I might gain the weak: I am become all things to all men, that I may by all means save some" (1 Cor 9:20-22 ASV). Paul had asked Peter: "If you, a Jew, are living like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you compel the Gentiles to become Jewish?" (Gal 2:14 OPV). He could only ask this rhetorical question if even Peter, who usually worked among his own countrymen, had become like the Gentiles in many ways because he was no longer under the Law of Moses. Thus, it is almost amusing that Paul, a Jew, is having to encourage these Gentiles to be like Gentiles (as far as observance of the Law of Moses is concerned), as Paul himself was! *4:12 "You did not discriminate against me at all." Another possible translation is: "You did me no wrong." The word, however, can have the nuance of treating someone unequally. The Galatians (Gentiles) are now discriminating against Paul (a Jew) because he is living like a Gentile! Paul is reminding them that when he came to them the first time, they had not discriminated against him in any way. *4:13 "You know that I first preached the gospel to you because of an infirmity of the flesh." This seems to indicates that, although Paul was not intending to preach in that region at that time, an illness made it necessary for him to remain in Galatia. And of course "in season" or "out of season" (2 Tim 4:2), Paul preached the gospel, wherever he was, for whatever reason he was there! Some have speculated that this might be related to the "thorn in the flesh" mentioned by Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:7. But since he gives no details in either case, we do not know. *4:14 "And for you, the affliction in my flesh was not something you despised or rejected." Whatever the illness was, it evidently was potentially offensive to others. The Galatians had demonstrated their complete lack of prejudice and their understanding of the insignificance of physical considerations compared with spiritual values in their acceptance of Paul, in spite of his illness. *4:14 "But you received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus." They had recognized Paul as a messenger from God, and had treated him accordingly, without any regard to his illness. Jesus told His followers: "He that heareth you heareth me; and he that rejecteth you rejecteth me; and he that rejecteth me rejecteth him that sent me" (Luke 10:16 ASV); "He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me" (Matt 10:40). They treated Paul as they would have treated an angel. This idiom expresses great respect (compare with 2 Sam 19:27 and Mal 2:7). *4:15 "Where then is that satisfaction of yours?" They had been so happy to have Paul in their midst. They had recognized him as a messenger from God. What happened to their high esteem for him? Paul wants them to realize that their attitude had been poisoned by the false teachers. *4:15 "For I bear you witness that, if possible, you would have plucked out your eyes and given them to me." The force of this illustrative statement is based on the great value we place on our eyesight. Compare with Matthew 5:29. Some view this statement as an indication that Paul's infirmity (and his thorn in the flesh) affected his eyesight. It is a standard idiom, however, which does not have to be related to his illness. Of course, IF his infirmity was related to his eyesight, the allusion would be even more powerful. In and of itself, however, the expression does not prove that the infirmity related to Paul's eyesight. Nor is this indicated by the statement in Galatians 6:11, "See with how large letters I write unto you with mine own hand," since that could simply be Paul's way of emphasizing the importance of what followed. Some have even referred to Paul's being blinded on the road to Damascus (Acts 22:11) in support of this idea. But they fail to mention Acts 9:17 which says that Ananias was sent that he might regain his sight. The Holy Spirit simply has not revealed to us the nature of Paul's illness here, nor of the thorn in his flesh. *4:16 "So then, have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?" Paul uses irony to point out that they have been deceived. Someone who speaks the truth is often viewed as an enemy by those who do not love the truth, but prefer to believe a lie. "For the time will come when they will not endure the sound doctrine; but, having itching ears, will heap to themselves teachers after their own lusts; and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn aside unto fables" (2 Tim 4:3,4 ASV). *4:17 "They are zealous for you, but for nothing good. They want to set you apart, so you may be zealous for them." Certain sects today use the same trick. One group has called it 'love bombing'! They shower someone they want to influence with a superabundance of attention. Especially inexperienced young people and those who are lonely can easily fall for this, and fail to see through the hypocrisy. They become so emotionally attached to the false teacher, and so dependent on the group for affection, that they do not notice the errors being taught, and allow themselves to be isolated from family and friends who could help them see what is wrong. *4:18 "Now it is good for zeal to be shown at all times in that which is good, and not only when I am present with you." There is nothing wrong with being zealous, of course, as long as it relates to something good! This zeal should also be enduring. Paul is gently chiding the Galatians for allowing themselves to be so easily deceived after he left. The Philippians did better: "So then, my beloved, even as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling" (Phil 2:12 ASV). *4:19 "My little children, with whom I am again in labor until Christ is formed in you" "My little children" is an expression of tender affection. When the Galatians should be on their way to maturity in Christ, it is as though Paul must suffer the pangs of birth once more. Much of what masquerades as Christianity is crassly superficial. But true Christianity involves nothing less than a spiritual metamorphosis, a radical change. With the help of God, Christ takes shape within us. "But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord the Spirit" (2 Cor 3:18 ASV). A Christian is to be "conformed to the image" of God's Son (Rom 8:29). In Galatians 2:20 Paul said: "With Christ I have been crucified. I live no more, but Christ lives in me." This concept is expressed in various passages, "Christ is all, and in all" (Col 3:11); "that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith" (Eph 3:17); "Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27). "And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwelleth in you, he that raised up Christ Jesus from the dead shall give life also to your mortal bodies through his Spirit that dwelleth in you" (Rom 8:10,11 ASV). *4:20 "I wish I could be present with you right now, and could change my tone, for I am perplexed about you." The spiritual health of the Galatians had degenerated since Paul left them. Although he is very strict in his letter, it is obvious that he is writing to people with whom he feels a close tie and with whom he may speak freely. He wishes he could be with them immediately so the problem could be solved, and their good relationship restored. The shock and disappointment of a parent in response to a child's misbehavior can be a powerful motivation for improvement. Various times Paul expresses his amazement and consternation that the Galatians could have been deceived into thinking they had to keep the Law of Moses to be saved. Roy Davison ------------------------------ Galatians 4:21-31 Galatians 4:21-31 (OPV) 21 Tell me, you who want to be under law, do you not listen to the law? 22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave girl and one by the freewoman. 23 Now the [son] by the slave girl was born according to the flesh, but the [son] by the freewoman was [born] through promise. 24 These things contain an allegory, for these [women] are two covenants. One, from mount Sinai, brings forth children for slavery, which is Hagar. 25 Now Hagar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and corresponds with the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children. 26 But Jerusalem above is free. She is our mother. 27 For it is written: Rejoice, o barren one who does not give birth; Break forth and shout, you who are not in labor; For many are the children of the lonely, more than of her who has the husband. 28 And you, brethren, are children of promise like Isaac. 29 But as it was then, that the one born according to the flesh persecuted the one [born] according to the Spirit, so it also is now. 30 But what does the scripture say? Send away the slave girl and her son, for the son of the slave girl shall not inherit with the son of the freewoman. 31 So then, brethren, we are not children of a slave girl, but of the freewoman. === Comments by Roy Davison *4:21 "Tell me, you who want to be under law, do you not listen to the law?" In verse 9 Paul had already asked: "But now that you know God, or rather, are known by God, how is it that you are reverting to these weak and destitute principles to which you want to be enslaved once more?" Some actually prefer being under a rigid detailed legal code, to accepting their own responsibility for the application of fundamental truths and principles in their daily lives. One sister, after her baptism, was continually asking me what she should do in every detail of her life. When I explained that she would have to decide many of these things herself on the basis of Biblical principles, she was not satisfied. Later she left the faith and joined a sect where she was told what to do in detail. She preferred slavery to the responsibility that freedom brings. It is preferable to be a free son of promise than a slave to the law. *4:22 "For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave girl and one by the freewoman." When Sarah was 76 and Abraham was 86, Sarah gave Hagar, her slave girl, to Abraham as a way to provide him with offspring, since she herself was barren (Gen 16:1-16). Now if that is not asking for trouble, I do not know what is! When Hagar conceived, she looked down on Sarah, Sarah became jealous and there was enmity between the two women. Sarah treated Hagar so harshly that she ran away before the child was born. But the angel of the Lord appeared to Hagar and told her to return and submit to Sarah, that God had seen her affliction, and would take care of her and her child. Ishmael was born. Abraham had a son. But this was not the son God had promised. Ishmael was a son of Abraham, but he was also the son of a slave. Although Abraham loved him (see Gen 17:18; 21:11), Ishmael, as a slave, did not have inheritance rights. When Sarah was 90 and Abraham was 100, Isaac was born (Gen 21:1-7). He was the son God had promised. *4:23 "Now the [son] by the slave girl was born according to the flesh, but the [son] by the freewoman was [born] through promise." The promise of God is decisive, not physical descent. God had promised that Abraham would have offspring (Gen 12:1,2). Having grown old and still being childless, he questioned God about this: "And Abram said, O Lord Jehovah, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and he that shall be possessor of my house is Eliezer of Damascus? And Abram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and, lo, one born in my house is mine heir. And, behold, the word of Jehovah came unto him, saying, This man shall not be thine heir; But he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir" (Gen 15:2-4 ASV). Sarah's plan to give Abraham offspring by her slave girl was not what God intended. When Ishmael was thirteen, God repeated the promise: "And God said unto Abraham, As for Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be. And I will bless her, and moreover I will give thee a son of her: yea, I will bless her, and she shall be [a mother of] nations; kings of peoples shall be of her. Then Abraham fell upon his face, and laughed, and said in his heart, Shall a child be born unto him that is a hundred years old? and shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear? And Abraham said unto God, Oh that Ishmael might live before thee! And God said, Nay, but Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant for his seed after him. And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation. But my covenant will I establish with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year" (Gen 17:15-21 ASV). "And Jehovah visited Sarah as he had said, and Jehovah did unto Sarah as he had spoken" (Gen 21:1 ASV). See also Hebrews 11:11,12 and Romans 4:19-21. *4:24 "These things contain an allegory, for these [women] are two covenants. One, from mount Sinai, brings forth children for slavery, which is Hagar." Paul's explanation of the allegorical meaning of these events, helps us understand why God allowed Ishmael to be sent away. "And God said unto Abraham, Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy handmaid. In all that Sarah saith unto thee, hearken unto her voice. For in Isaac shall thy seed be called. And also of the son of the handmaid will I make a nation, because he is thy seed" (Gen 21:12,13 ASV). Hagar and Sarah are types of two covenants. Ishmael was greatly blessed because he was a son of Abraham. But he was not the son of promise. He was a slave. This corresponds to the Sinai law which (although it brought great blessings and although it accomplished the purpose for which it was given) was not God's final covenant for man, but was one which resulted in a burden of slavery. As Peter asked those who wanted Christians to keep the law of Moses: "Now therefore why make ye trial of God, that ye should put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?" (Acts 15:10 ASV). In Galatians 5:1 Paul calls the law a "yoke of slavery." Isaac was the son of promise. Through his seed the promise of blessings for ALL NATIONS would be fulfilled in the New Covenant of Jesus Christ. As Peter proclaimed to the Jews: "Ye are the sons of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with your fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed. Unto you first God, having raised up his Servant, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities" (Acts 3:25,26 ASV). As Paul explained in Galatians, chapter 3, the ultimate purpose of the law was to bring people to freedom in Christ. *4:25 "Now Hagar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and corresponds with the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children." Paul reminds the Jews that the law was not given in the promised land, but in the barren wilderness of Arabia! If Paul's description of physical Jerusalem seems harsh, recall that unfaithful Jerusalem is called Sodom in Isaiah 1:10, and is called Sodom and Egypt in Revelation 11:8. Remember how Jesus wept when he viewed the rebellious city (Luke 19:41-44). Recall that it was at Jerusalem where the sinless Son of God was condemned to die. Just as Jesus was expelled from Jerusalem to die on a cross, we too must follow Him outside THAT kind of city: "Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people through his own blood, suffered without the gate. Let us therefore go forth unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach. For we have not here an abiding city, but we seek after [the city] which is to come" (Hebrews 13:12-14 ASV). *4:26 "But Jerusalem above is free. She is our mother." "For our citizenship is in heaven; whence also we wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ" (Phil 3:20 ASV). "For ye are not come unto [a mount] that might be touched, and that burned with fire, and unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest, and the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which [voice] they that heard entreated that no word more should be spoken unto them; for they could not endure that which was enjoined, If even a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned; and so fearful was the appearance, [that] Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake: but ye are come unto mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable hosts of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, and to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaketh better than [that of] Abel" (Heb 12:18-24 ASV). Like Abraham, his heirs who share his faith are seeking a heavenly homeland (Hebrews 11:9,10,16) trusting in the promise of Christ: "He that overcometh, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go out thence no more: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God, and mine own new name" (Rev 3:12 ASV). "And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven of God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband" (Rev 21:2 ASV). *4:27 "For it is written: Rejoice, o barren one who does not give birth; Break forth and shout, you who are not in labor; For many are the children of the lonely, more than of her who has the husband." This is a verbatim quotation of Isaiah 54:1 in the Septuagint Greek translation of the Old Testament. Just as Sarah was barren for many years, Jerusalem was barren under the Old Covenant regarding the accomplishment of true righteousness among her children. In this Messianic prophecy it is foretold that Jerusalem would one day be the mother of a multitude who served God, not only from among Israel but from the whole world. *4:28 "And you, brethren, are children of promise like Isaac." Christians are children of promise, not slaves of law. "He came unto his own, and they that were his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he the right to become children of God, [even] to them that believe on his name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God" (John 1:11-13 ASV). "For of his fullness we all received, and grace for grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ" (John 1:16 ASV). *4:29 "But as it was then, that the one born according to the flesh persecuted the one [born] according to the Spirit, so it also is now." "That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit" (John 3:6 ASV). Even the great teacher of the law, Nicodemus, could not enter God's kingdom unless he were born again, born of water and the Spirit (John 3:3-5). "They that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you. But if any man hath not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his" (Rom 8:8,9 ASV). Ishmael, who was a physical son of Abraham, persecuted Isaac, who was the son of promise (Gen 21:9). In the same way, the Jews, who were physical descendants of Abraham, persecuted the early Christians, who were the spiritual descendants of Abraham (Gal 5:11; 6:12; Acts 9:29; 13:45,50; 14:2; 17:5,13). *4:30 "But what does the scripture say? Send away the slave girl and her son, for the son of the slave girl shall not inherit with the son of the freewoman." Sarah said to Abraham: "Cast out this handmaid and her son. For the son of this handmaid shall not be heir with my son, even with Isaac" (Gen 21:10 ASV). God allowed this as a type of the rejection of physical Israel in favor of those of all nations who would accept the Messiah: "And God said unto Abraham, Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy handmaid. In all that Sarah saith unto thee, hearken unto her voice. For in Isaac shall thy seed be called" (Gen 21:12 ASV). Jesus told the Jews: "And the bondservant abideth not in the house for ever: the son abideth for ever" (John 8:35 ASV). He went on to warn that if they did not accept Him they would be rejected. In explaining the parable of the vineyard, He told the Jews: "Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken away from you, and shall be given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof" (Matt 21:43 ASV). *4:31 "So then, brethren, we are not children of a slave girl, but of the freewoman." "And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed, heirs according to promise" (Gal 3:29). "Thus, you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, also an heir through God" (Gal 4:7). By placing themselves under the law, the Galatians were leaving the sons of promise and joining those who had been excluded from the inheritance. Verse 1 of chapter 5 serves not only as an introduction to what follows, but also as a conclusion to chapter 4: "For freedom did Christ set us free: stand fast therefore, and be not entangled again in a yoke of bondage" (Gal 5:1 ASV). Roy Davison