What does Galatians 4:5 mean?

Explanation

Galatians 4:5 speaks of redemption and adoption: "To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons." This verse is central to Christian soteriology, which deals with the nature of salvation.

Literally, the verse suggests that the act of redemption by Jesus Christ was done for those who were under Mosaic Law – the Jewish people of the time – so that they, and by extension all believers (Gentiles included), could become children of God, not through the law but through faith in Christ.

On a deeper level, the verse implies that the law, known for its stringent rules, was inadequate for bringing about the true relationship with God that comes from being His sons and daughters.

The term "adoption of sons" indicates a new identity and standing before God for believers, transitioning from a legalistic relationship under the law to an intimate familial relationship with God.

Historical Context

Galatians was written by the Apostle Paul in the first century A.D., to the churches in the Roman province of Galatia.

At this time, there was much debate among early Christians regarding whether Gentile converts to Christianity had to follow Jewish religious practices, specifically the Mosaic Law, to be true Christians.

Paul wrote to address these misunderstandings and to emphasize that salvation is through faith in Christ alone, not through adherence to the law.

He used the term "under the law" to refer to both Jews who were literally under the Law of Moses and any others who thought that obedience to the law was necessary for justification.

Theological Insights

Within Christian theology, this verse is often interpreted from the perspective of the doctrine of justification by faith versus works of the law.

It asserts that the purpose of Christ's redemption was to free people from the requirements and the curse of the law (as outlined in Galatians 3:13) and to facilitate a new relationship with God through the grace of adoption.

This reflects the Pauline emphasis on grace as opposed to legalism and is a key point in Protestant theology especially.

The “adoption of sons” in Roman culture involved giving an adopted person all the legal rights of a biological child, which Paul uses to stress that believers have full rights as children of God.

While some theological perspectives may differ on the nature of the law, the necessity of faith for salvation, and the means of grace, there is broad agreement on the significance of being considered children of God through faith in Christ.

Practical Applications

The teachings of this verse have several applications:

It encourages Christians to understand that their relationship with God does not depend on legalistic righteousness but on the grace given through Jesus Christ. 2.

Believers are reminded that they are viewed as children of God, with all the implications that entails , including an inheritance, intimacy with God, and a new identity. 3.

It also serves as a unifying message, breaking down barriers between Jews and Gentiles, highlighting that all are one in Christ.

Cross-References

• Romans 8:15 - "For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father."
• Galatians 3:13 - "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:"
• Ephesians 1:5 - "Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,"

Language Study

The key Greek words in this verse include:

1. Exagorazo (ἐξαγοράζω) - translated "redeem". This term was used in the context of purchasing a slave's freedom; in the N.T., it metaphorically indicates Christ's sacrifice purchasing believers' freedom from the law's demands and curse.
2. Hypo (ὑπό) - translated "under".

It is used here to describe being under the authority or power of something, namely the law. 3. Huios (υἱός) - translated "sons". In the biblical context, this denotes the special position and privileges granted to believers, going beyond gender to signify the status of being God's children.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The notion of adoption as an act by which a person takes on a new identity could be compared to practices in other ancient cultures, where adoption was often used to preserve lineage and legacy.

In a religious sense, the idea of being children of God is not unique to Christianity; however, the way Christianity establishes this relationship through faith is distinctive.

In other religions, becoming a child or a descendant of the gods often involves heroic acts, lineage, or special rituals, rather than a gift of grace through belief.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific discussions about biblical verses generally revolve around historical or material claims rather than theological concepts such as redemption and adoption. As such, there is no direct scientific perspective on this verse.

However, psychology may offer insights into the human need for belonging and identity that align with the metaphor of adoption used by Paul to convey a sense of belonging to a divine family.

Commentaries

Various experts and biblical commentators have given much thought to this verse:

John Stott, an influential evangelical leader and theologian, emphasizes the freedom from the law and the personal relationship with God through adoption that this verse speaks about. 2.

N.T.

Wright, a prominent New Testament scholar, often speaks of the historical context of Paul's letters, highlighting the radical nature of Paul's rejection of the law as a means of justification, in favor of identification with Christ. 3.

Martin Luther, the 16th-century reformer, used verses like Galatians 4:5 to argue against the legalism of the Catholic Church of his time, underscoring the doctrine of justification by faith and the immediate access to God granted to believers.