Galatians 3:28-4:20

Christian Standard Bible

²⁸ There is no Jew or Greek, slave or free,^(A) male and female;^(B) since you are all one^(C) in Christ Jesus. ²⁹ And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, heirs^(D) according to the promise.^(E)

4 Now I say that as long as the heir^(F) is a child, he differs in no way from a slave, though he is the owner^(G) of everything. ² Instead, he is under guardians and trustees until the time set by his father. ³ In the same way we also, when we were children, were in slavery under the elements^[a] of the world.^{(H) 4} When the time came to completion, God sent his Son,^(I) born of a woman,^(J) born under the law, ⁵ to redeem those under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.^{(K) 6} And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son^(L) into our^[b] hearts, crying, “Abba,^[c] Father!” ^{(M) 7} So you are no longer a slave^(N) but a son,^(O) and if a son, then God has made you an heir.^(P)

Paul’s Concern for the Galatians

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

¹² I beg you, brothers and sisters: Become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You have not wronged me; ¹³ you know^[e] that previously I preached the gospel to you because of a weakness of the flesh. ¹⁴ You did not despise or reject me though my physical condition was a trial for you.^[f] On the contrary, you received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus himself.

¹⁵ Where, then, is your blessing? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me. ¹⁶ So then, have I become your enemy because I told you the truth?^{(V) 17} They court you eagerly, but not for good. They want to exclude you from me, so that you would pursue them. ¹⁸ But it is always good to be pursued^[g] in a good manner—and not just when I am with you. ¹⁹ My children,^(W) I am again suffering labor pains^(X) 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.