We were Slaves
Gal 4:1-3
What I am saying is that as long as the heir is a child, he is no different from a slave, although he owns the whole estate. He is subject to guardians and trustees until the time set by his father. So also, when we were children, we were in slavery under the basic principles of the world.
What he is referring to by "basic principles or elements of the world" are religious regulations and ceremonial practices upon which a relationship with God was considered contingent. Likewise Paul is saying by analogy when a child is young he too is subject to rules and regulations. In fact young children are subjected to much more restrictions than when they mature. They have very limited freedom. And that's the way it should be for them. Giving too much freedom to children is harmful.
The Berean Christian Bible Study Resources
Gal 4:1-3
What I am saying is that as long as the heir is a child, he is no different from a slave, although he owns the whole estate. He is subject to guardians and trustees until the time set by his father. So also, when we were children, we were in slavery under the basic principles of the world.
What he is referring to by "basic principles or elements of the world" are religious regulations and ceremonial practices upon which a relationship with God was considered contingent. Likewise Paul is saying by analogy when a child is young he too is subject to rules and regulations. In fact young children are subjected to much more restrictions than when they mature. They have very limited freedom. And that's the way it should be for them. Giving too much freedom to children is harmful.
The Berean Christian Bible Study Resources
