Galatians Chapter IV
26 But the other covenant is derived from Jerusalem that is above,
which is free - Like Sarah from all inward and outward bondage, and is
the mother of us all - That is, all who believe in Christ, are free citizens
of the New Jerusalem.
27 For it is written - Those words in the primary sense promise
a flourishing state to Judea, after its desolation by the Chaldeans. Rejoice.
thou barren, that bearest not - Ye heathen nations, who, like a barren
woman, were destitute, for many ages, of a seed to serve the Lord. Break
forth and cry aloud for joy, thou that, in former time, travailedst not:
for the desolate hath many more children than she that hath an husband
- For ye that were so long utterly desolate shall at length bear more children
than the Jewish church, which was of old espoused to God. Isa 54:1.
28 Now we - Who believe, whether Jews or Gentiles. Are children
of the promise - Not born in a natural way, but by the supernatural power
of God. And as such we are heirs of the promise made to believing Abraham.
29 But as then, he that was born after the flesh persecuted him
that was born after the Spirit, so it is now also - And so it will be in
all ages and nations to the end of the world.
30 But what saith the scripture - Showing the consequence of this.
Cast out the bondwoman and her son - Who mocked Isaac. In like manner will
God cast out all who seek to be justified by the law; especially if they
persecute them who are his children by faith. Gen 21:10.
31 So then - To sum up all. We - Who believe. Are not children
of the bondwoman - Have nothing to do with the servile Mosaic dispensation.
But of the free - Being free from the curse and the bond of that law, and
from the power of sin and Satan.
Chapter V
1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty - From the ceremonial law.
Wherewith Christ hath made us - And all believers, free; and be not entangled
again with the yoke of legal bondage.
