Galatians 4:23

His son by the slave woman was born according to the flesh, but his son by the free woman was born through the promise.

Study Bible

His son by the slave woman
This phrase refers to Ishmael, the son of Abraham and Hagar, Sarah's Egyptian maidservant. In the historical context, Hagar was a slave, and her son, Ishmael, was born out of human effort and impatience, as Sarah and Abraham sought to fulfill God's promise through their own means. The Greek word for "slave" (δοῦλος, doulos) emphasizes the lack of freedom and the bondage associated with Hagar's status. This serves as a metaphor for the old covenant and the law, which Paul argues brings bondage rather than freedom.

was born according to the flesh
The term "flesh" (σάρξ, sarx) in this context refers to human effort and natural means, as opposed to divine intervention. Ishmael's birth was a result of human planning and action, not the fulfillment of God's promise. This highlights the futility of relying on human strength and wisdom to achieve spiritual goals, a common theme in Paul's letters. It serves as a reminder that God's promises are fulfilled through His power, not ours.

but his son by the free woman
This phrase refers to Isaac, the son of Abraham and Sarah. Sarah, unlike Hagar, was a free woman, and her status symbolizes the freedom found in the new covenant of grace. The Greek word for "free" (ἐλεύθερος, eleutheros) signifies liberty and the absence of bondage. Isaac's birth was miraculous, as Sarah was beyond childbearing age, underscoring the supernatural nature of God's promise and the freedom it brings.

was born through the promise
The word "promise" (ἐπαγγελία, epangelia) is central to understanding the nature of Isaac's birth. Unlike Ishmael, Isaac was born as a direct result of God's promise to Abraham and Sarah. This highlights the faithfulness of God and the certainty of His word. The promise represents the new covenant, which is based on faith and grace rather than human effort. It serves as a powerful reminder that God's promises are sure and will be fulfilled in His timing and manner.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Abraham
The patriarch of the Israelites, whose faith and obedience to God are central themes in the Bible. He is the father of both Ishmael and Isaac.

2. Hagar
The Egyptian slave woman who bore Abraham's first son, Ishmael. Her account is a significant part of the account of Abraham's family.

3. Sarah
Abraham's wife, who was initially barren but later bore Isaac, the child of promise, through God's intervention.

4. Ishmael
The son of Abraham and Hagar, representing the natural, human effort to fulfill God's promise.

5. Isaac
The son of Abraham and Sarah, representing the fulfillment of God's promise and the line through which God's covenant would continue.

Teaching Points

Understanding the Flesh vs. the Promise
The birth of Ishmael represents human effort and reliance on the flesh, while Isaac's birth signifies divine intervention and the fulfillment of God's promise.

Faith in God's Promises
Believers are called to trust in God's promises rather than relying on their own understanding or efforts. This requires patience and faith, as seen in the lives of Abraham and Sarah.

Spiritual Inheritance
Just as Isaac was the child of promise, believers are heirs of God's promises through faith in Christ. This spiritual inheritance is not based on human effort but on God's grace.

Freedom in Christ
The contrast between Hagar and Sarah symbolizes the difference between living under the law (bondage) and living in the freedom of God's promise through Christ.

God's Sovereignty and Timing
God's promises are fulfilled in His perfect timing, often beyond human understanding or expectation. Trusting in His sovereignty is crucial for spiritual growth.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of Hagar and Sarah illustrate the difference between living according to the flesh and living according to the promise?

2. In what ways can we be tempted to rely on our own efforts rather than trusting in God's promises? Provide examples from your own life.

3. How does the concept of spiritual inheritance through faith in Christ change our perspective on identity and belonging?

4. What are some practical ways we can cultivate patience and trust in God's timing, especially when His promises seem delayed?

5. How does understanding the freedom we have in Christ impact our daily walk with Him, and how can we share this freedom with others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 16 & 21
These chapters provide the background account of Hagar and Sarah, detailing the births of Ishmael and Isaac and the dynamics within Abraham's family.

Romans 9:7-9
Paul discusses the children of the promise, emphasizing that it is not the children of the flesh who are God's children, but the children of the promise.

Hebrews 11:11-12
Highlights Sarah's faith and the miraculous nature of Isaac's birth, reinforcing the concept of God's promise.