Reading for May 29th

Read Galatians 4.1-7
In verses 1-11 we are no longer slaves but children.
In verse 1 heirs: comparing life under the law to being a minor continues the illustration introduced in 3.15.
Slaves introduces a second image, which is developed in chs 4-5.
In verse 3 elemental spirits of the world (Gk; ta stoicheia tou kosmou) is difficult.
Rudiments captures the sense of stoicheion as something fundamental- elements or principles.
These may perhaps be elementary forms of religion that were superseded by Christ, or the four elements (fire, air, water, earth) understood as heavenly forces.
In verse 4 the language sounds confessional (Rom 8.3).
Here Paul succinctly states what the gospel birth stories present more fully, especially Luke (Lk 1-2; Mat 1-2).
Emphasized as Jesus' humanity and Jewishness.
In verse 5 redeem, literally buy back, suggests buying the freedom of young slaves in order to adopt them as children.
In verse 6 the reality of 3.26 is presupposed.
Abba Father! expresses Christ's obedient spirit (Mk 14.36; Rom 8.15).
In verse 7 being able to address God the way Jesus did signals the change in status from slave to child.
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