4 But remember this, that if a father dies and leaves great wealth for his little son, that child is not much better off than a slave until he grows up, even though he actually owns everything his father had. ² He has to do what his guardians and managers tell him to until he reaches whatever age his father set.

³ And that is the way it was with us before Christ came. We were slaves to Jewish laws and rituals, for we thought they could save us.