³ So also, when we were underage, we were in slavery^(A) under the elemental spiritual forces^[a] of the world.^(B)

²⁰ Since you died with Christ^(A) to the elemental spiritual forces of this world,^(B) why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules:^(C)

⁸ See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy,^(A) which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces^[a] of this world^(B) rather than on Christ.

⁹ But now that you know God—or rather are known by God^(A)—how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable forces^[a]? Do you wish to be enslaved^(B) by them all over again?^(C)

⁴ This matter arose because some false believers^(A) had infiltrated our ranks to spy on^(B) the freedom^(C) we have in Christ Jesus and to make us slaves.

³¹ Therefore, brothers and sisters, we are not children of the slave woman,^(A) but of the free woman.^(B)

Freedom in Christ

5 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.^(C) Stand firm,^(D) then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.^(E)

¹⁰ Now then, why do you try to test God^(A) by putting on the necks of Gentiles a yoke^(B) that neither we nor our ancestors have been able to bear?

¹⁵ The Spirit^(A) you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again;^(B) rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.^[a] And by him we cry, “Abba,^[b] Father.”^(C)

Dispute Over Whose Children Jesus’ Opponents Are

³¹ To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching,^(A) you are really my disciples.