Galatians 3:26-4:20

Holman Christian Standard Bible

²⁶ for you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.

Sons and Heirs

²⁷ For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ like a garment.^{(A) 28} There is no Jew or Greek, slave or free,^(B) male or female;^(C) for you are all one^(D) in Christ Jesus. ²⁹ And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, heirs^(E) according to the promise.^(F) 4 ¹ Now I say that as long as the heir^(G) is a child, he differs in no way from a slave, though he is the owner^(H) of everything. ² Instead, he is under guardians and stewards until the time set by his father. ³ In the same way we also, when we were children, were in slavery under the elemental forces^[a] of the world.^{(I) 4} When the time came to completion, God sent His Son,^(J) born of a woman,^(K) born under the law, ⁵ to redeem those under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.^{(L) 6} And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son^(M) into our^[b] hearts, crying, “Abba,^(N) Father!”^{(O) 7} So you are no longer a slave^(P) but a son,^(Q) and if a son, then an heir^(R) through God.

Paul’s Concern for the Galatians

⁸ But in the past, when you didn’t know God,^(S) you were enslaved to things^[c] that by nature are not gods. ⁹ But now, since you know God,^(T) or rather have become known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and bankrupt^(U) elemental forces?^(V) Do you want to be enslaved to them all over again? ¹⁰ You observe special days, months, seasons, and years.^{(W) 11} I am fearful for you, that perhaps my labor for you has been wasted.

¹² I beg you, brothers: Become like me, for I also became like you. You have not wronged me; ¹³ you know that previously I preached the gospel to you because of a physical illness. ¹⁴ You did not despise or reject me though my physical condition was a trial for you.^[d] On the contrary, you received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus Himself.

¹⁵ What happened to this sense of being blessed you had? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me. ¹⁶ Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?^{(X) 17} They^[e] are enthusiastic about you, but not for any good. Instead, they want to isolate you so you will be enthusiastic about them. ¹⁸ Now it is always good to be enthusiastic about good—and not just when I am with you. ¹⁹ My children,^(Y) I am again suffering labor pains^(Z) for you until Christ is formed in you. ²⁰ I would like to be with you right now and change my tone of voice, because I don’t know what to do about you.