January 12, 2024
DAILY BIBLE READING – Galatians Chapter 4
1 Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;
2 But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.
3 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:
4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
8 Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods.
9 But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?
10 Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years.
11 I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.
12 Brethren, I beseech you, be as I am; for I am as ye are: ye have not injured me at all.
13 Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first.
14 And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus.
15 Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me.
16 Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?
17 They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them.
18 But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you.
19 My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,
20 I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you.
21 Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law?
22 For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman.
23 But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise.
24 Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar.
25 For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.
26 But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.
27 For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband.
28 Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise.
29 But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now.
30 Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.
31 So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.
King James Version. Public Domain
Commentary
Introduction:
In Galatians Chapter 4, Paul continues his argument on the theme of freedom in Christ, contrasting the bondage of the law with the freedom of being God’s children. He explains that Christians in Christ are no longer slaves to the law but have received full rights as sons and daughters of God. Paul uses the image of inheritance to illustrate how believers, who were once under guardianship, have now received the promised freedoms through the coming of Christ. At the same time, he warns the Galatians against turning back to the law and relying on its rituals, urging them to remain in the freedom they have received in Christ.
Commentary:
Freedom from the Law (Verses 1–7):
Paul begins with an example of inheritance. As long as an heir is a minor, he is no different from a slave, even though he owns everything. Similarly, believers, before knowing Christ, were enslaved under the external ordinances of the law. But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son to redeem those under the law and to grant believers adoption as God’s children. As children of God, they have received the Spirit of His Son, who brings them into a relationship with the Father.
Warning Against Returning to Legalism (Verses 8–20):
Paul reminds the Galatians that when they did not know God, they served false gods. Now that they know God, he questions why they are turning back to the weak and miserable principles of the law. He expresses concern that his work among them might have been in vain. He urges them to become like him—in freedom and faith in Christ. Paul recalls the difficult times when he preached the Gospel to them and reminds them of the joy and love they once felt.
Bondage and Freedom (Verses 21–31):
Paul draws a parallel between Abraham’s two sons: the son of the slave woman (Ishmael) and the son of the free woman (Isaac). Ishmael was born according to the flesh, while Isaac was born through the promise. Paul explains that these two sons represent two covenants: one leading to bondage (the law given on Mount Sinai) and the other leading to freedom (the promise fulfilled through Isaac and new birth in Christ). Believers, as children of the promise, are heirs of freedom, not of bondage.
Summary:
Galatians 4 highlights the liberation through Christ and warns against returning to legalism. Paul emphasizes that believers are no longer slaves to the law but have received God’s adoption and inheritance through faith in Christ. He calls on the Galatians to remain in this freedom and not to return to the weak and miserable principles of the law. Believers are children of the promise, not of bondage, and should not be influenced by false teachings that would lead them back into the captivity of legalism.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages
Chapter 87—“To My Father, and Your Father”
This chapter is based on Luke 24:50-53; Acts 1:9-12.
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction:
In Chapter 87 we learn about the final act of Jesus’ earthly life and His ascension into heaven. Jesus, having triumphed over death and sin, prepares to ascend to His Father in heaven. This moment marks the completion of His mission on Earth and the lasting promise of His presence in the hearts of believers. The place of His ascension—the Mount of Olives—is not merely a geographical location but a place rich with memories of Jesus’ life, prayers, and His struggle for humanity’s salvation. The ascension signifies the transition from Jesus as the suffering Redeemer to the triumphant King ascending to heaven.
Commentary:
Chapter 87 presents Jesus’ ascension as an act of victory and fulfillment. After completing His earthly mission and revealing Himself as the living Savior, He enters the heavenly realms. This moment is bittersweet for the disciples—filled with sorrow at parting from their Master but also with hope, as they now have confirmation of His victory over death. The Mount of Olives, once a place of Jesus’ prayers and struggles, now becomes the stage for His farewell. Yet, this farewell is not final; rather, it marks the beginning of a new era of hope. Jesus promises to remain with His followers and assures them that He will return one day in glory.
The angels affirm to the disciples that Jesus has not departed forever but will return in the same way they saw Him ascend. The image of heavenly hosts welcoming their King symbolizes Jesus’ future triumph at His second coming. Before this moment, Jesus raises His hands in blessing—a powerful affirmation of His presence and ongoing connection with the disciples. This blessing uplifts the disciples spiritually, filling them with joy and confidence in Christ’s continued presence and His role as their intercessor.
Summary:
Chapter 87 portrays Jesus’ ascension as a profound moment of exaltation and victory. The Mount of Olives, once a place of prayer and struggle, becomes the setting for His glorious ascent into heaven. After offering His disciples comfort and the promise of His return, Jesus is taken up by a cloud, disappearing from their sight. The angels proclaim that Jesus will return in the same way. This event conveys a dual message to believers: the comfort and assurance of Christ’s ongoing presence and the hope of His glorious return. The disciples return to Jerusalem with newfound joy and confidence, their hearts filled with praise and gratitude for the living Christ, who continues to live and intercede for them.
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