Galatians 4

“So, brothers, we are not children of the slave but of the free woman” (v31).  Paul desperately wanted Jews and Gentiles to understand their freedom in Christ.  Those who taught that non-Jewish believers should get circumcised were acting like children of slavery who misunderstood their own heritage.  Centuries before, Isaac’s birth to elderly Sarah represented God’s surprising, free gift; in contrast, Hagar and Ishmael symbolized Abraham’s attempt to seize control. By insisting on circumcision, the Galatians were following the wrong pattern. 

“God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, ’Abba! Father!’” (v6-7). We are not slaves who fear our Master. We are beloved children, and we live by grace.