Galatians 4:1-15 ▼

1 What I am saying is that as long as the heir is a child, he is no different from a slave, although he is the owner of everything.

2 He is subject to guardians and trustees until the date set by his father.

3 So also, when we were children, we were enslaved under the basic principles of the world.

4 But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law,

5 to redeem those under the law, that we might receive our adoption as sons.

6 And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!”

7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, you are also an heir through God.

8 Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods.

9 But now that you know God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you are turning back to those weak and worthless principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?

10 You are observing special days and months and seasons and years!

11 I fear for you, that my efforts for you may have been in vain.

12 I beg you, brothers, become like me, for I became like you. You have done me no wrong.

13 You know that it was because of an illness that I first preached the gospel to you.

14 And although my illness was a trial to you, you did not despise or reject me. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus Himself.

15 What then has become of your blessing? For I can testify that, if it were possible, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me.