1 I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave,[a] though he is the owner of everything, 2 but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father. 3 In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles[b] of the world.

Galatians 4:1-3 (ESV) 中文

Pure Gospel of Jesus

This letter from Paul to Christ followers living in the area of Galatia is all about the means of salvation. The Judiazer’s were spreading a false gospel which was the true gospel plus works (through the keeping of the Law – esp. circumcision). Paul sharply corrects this false teaching (that even affected the apostle Peter). In this theology section, Paul’s comparing the law to the promise. He has shown how they are complementary, not contrary and the law’s purpose is tied to a mediator. 

“In chapter 3 the Jews’ preoccupation with the Law of Moses was foremost in Paul’s mind. In chapter 4 he restate[s] his argument for the benefit of Gentiles, for whom religious syncretism and pagan idolatry were primary concerns. Whereas in chapter 3 Paul dealt mainly with justification (cf. 3:20), in chapter 4 his emphasis was primarily on sanctification (cf. 4:3).” (planobiblechapel.org)

Child or slave

Paul continues this family analogy of children becoming adults. As he seems to be addressing Gentiles in chapter 4, he re-does the analogy – comparing children and slaves. This date set by the father was a reference to Roman religion. “A Roman child became an adult at the sacred family festival known as the Liberalia, held annually on the seventeenth of March. At this time the child was formally adopted by the father as his acknowledged son and heir and received the toga virilis in place of the toga praetexta which he had previously worn.” (Boice in enduringword.com) Here’s a wonderful analogy of an inmate being adopted by a multimillionaire. Check it out.

Elementary bondage

In the previous chapter, Paul was addressing the Jews (mostly) in his audience who were born under the bondage of the Law. They needed to understand salvation by faith, not the law – though everyone needs to understand this fundamental truth. Now he seems to address the gentiles. What bondage are the Gentiles under? What are these “elementary principles of the world?” “For a Gentile believer the elemental principles of the world from which he or she had been redeemed would have been the teachings of pagan religion and superstition.” (planobiblechapel.org) 

What did these pagan religions and traditions teach them about eternity and freedom from a guilty conscience? Same thing all religions teach – good works. The principle of cause and effect, of consequences, “the idea that we get what we deserve; when we are good we deserve to receive good and when we are bad we deserve to receive bad.” (enduringword.com) This flies in the face of grace so Paul addresses it squarely.

RЯeflection

• This is pretty “thick” stuff here. I hope you get out of it the reinforcement that salvation is not only not by works of the Law (like fulfilling the 10 commandments). It’s also not works of the “cause and effect” law that if we do good things we will get good things…including salvation. Salvation is a free gift.