PrevGalatians 4:18Next

Galatians 4

Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;

But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.

Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:

But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,

To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods.

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?

Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years.

I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.

Brethren, I beseech you, be as I am; for I am as ye are: ye have not injured me at all.

Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first.

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.

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.

Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?

They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them.

But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you.

My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,

I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you.

Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law?

For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman.

But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise.

Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar.

For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.

But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.

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.

Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise.

But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now.

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.

So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.

What does Galatians 4:18 mean?

Explanation

Galatians 4:18 emphasizes the importance of maintaining earnest and sincere efforts in pursuing good, whether or not a person is being directly observed by leadership or peers.

In context, this verse is the Apostle Paul encouraging the Christians in Galatia to continue with the zeal they showed in following the Gospel and doing good works, regardless of his presence.

The term "zealously affected" conveys the idea of eager and intense interest or enthusiasm.

Thus, the verse promotes consistent dedication to good, as opposed to doing so sporadically or only under the supervision of someone like Paul.

Top Rated Galatians Books

Historical Context

Galatians was written by the Apostle Paul to the churches of Galatia, which is in modern-day Turkey.

The letter addresses issues regarding the Judaizers, who were teaching that Gentile Christians needed to adopt Jewish customs in order to be saved, including adherence to the Mosaic Law.

Paul writes this letter to affirm that salvation is through faith in Christ Jesus alone and to address the confusion and misconceptions brought by these teachings.

This verse is situated within Paul’s more personal appeals to the Galatians, reminding them of their initial reception of and enthusiasm for the Gospel.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse emphasizes the principle of consistent Christian living. Different theological camps may highlight various aspects of this concept:

Evangelical Perspective: They may emphasize personal relationship with Christ and seeking to please Him at all times, not for salvation, but as a result of salvation.
Catholic Perspective: This might be seen in light of the church’s teachings that good works are a natural reflection of one's faith and integral to living a life pleasing to God.
Reformed Perspective: They would likely interpret this as an enduring devotion to good works, driven by gratitude for God’s grace and the transformative power of the Gospel.

Practical Applications

The essence of this verse can be applied in various aspects of daily life including:

Being consistent and genuine in one's faith and actions regardless of who is watching.
Maintaining enthusiasm and commitment to good work within their community and personal lives, not as a means to earn favor, but out of love and thankfulness.
Demonstrating the transformative effect of the Gospel through constant dedication to doing what is good.

Cross-References

Philippians 2:12 – "Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling."
Revelation 2:19 – "I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first."
1 Corinthians 15:58 – "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord."

Language Study

The original Greek language gives depth to the terms used in Galatians 4:18:

"Zealously affected" comes from the Greek "zeloo" (ζηλόω) which can mean to desire earnestly, to be jealous, or to strive for.
"Good" in the verse is from the Greek "kalos" (καλῶς), which pertains to that which is noble, commendable, and excellent.

These words indicate an intensity and purity of motive in pursuing what is right and commendable.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparing Galatians 4:18 to other ancient religious texts, several cultures emphasize the value of consistent living and sincerity in one's religious or ethical life:

In Confucianism, there is an emphasis on integrity and the rectitude of action irrespective of being watched.
Ancient Egyptian religion often referenced living a life in accordance with Maat, or truth and righteousness, which was expected whether one was in public or private.

Scientific Perspectives

The scientific community might interpret concepts of consistency and diligent effort from a psychological perspective, acknowledging the phenomenon of "social facilitation" where a person's performance can improve when being observed.

This verse is asking believers to transcend such natural tendencies and maintain their commitment and enthusiasm for good works irrespective of outside observation.

This aligns with studies about intrinsic motivation, where an individual's internal motivations lead to consistent behavior regardless of external factors.

Commentaries

Commentators on Galatians 4:18 provide insights on its application and meaning:

John Calvin accentuates consistency in Christian living, asserting that believers should persistently strive for what is good as a way of life and not merely when compelled by external forces such as leadership.
Matthew Henry’s commentary speaks to the importance of genuine enthusiasm for good works, independent of the apostle's presence, implying that true faith doesn’t waver with circumstances.
The Expositor's Greek Testament points out Paul's desire that the Galatians be zealously minded in a good matter always, indicating an ongoing, enduring passion for good, which should not ebb and flow with the physical presence of leaders.

Galatians 4

Galatians 4

What does Galatians 4:18 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Galatians Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Galatians 4:18 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Galatians Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?