Paul, talking about things as they were “before Jesus came to earth,” has humanity living in “slavery!” His words, “under tutors and governors.” Controlled by a person the Bible calls a “schoolmaster!”
And today the Apostle goes even further. “Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world.” Galatians 4:3
The phrase “in bondage” translates “douloo,” but as a perfect, passive participle! Being “held” under the heavy weight of slavery!
The Law of Moses never made anyone free!
Only Jesus Christ can do that!
“If the SON therefore shall make you FREE, ye shall be FREE INDEED.” John 8:36
The noun “children” (in our Text) is “nepios” again, “minors” (not of legal age) but also rendered “babes” six times in the King James Version. At times, “infants” are meant.
Before we were “saved,” I think Paul is saying.
Then again, maybe prior to the “Virgin Birth” and vicarious “Death” and literal “Resurrection” of Jesus too!
But, still referring to our verse today … under bondage to what?
“Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under THE ELEMENTS OF THE WORLD.”
This noun, “elements,” (in Greek “stoicheion”) is interesting! It literally means “any first thing, something beginning a series of other sequential things.”
Let me illustrate.
Our alphabet … A-B-C-D-E-F-G-H-I-J-K-L … and so on! (The ABC’s, folks!)
That’s clearly a series, with “A” being the first of the chain.
Our numbers (which we learned as little children) will work as well. As in: 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9 … and so on. A sequence!
In like manner the verb “stoicheo” means “to march in a line, taking your proper place.” Its parent verb is “steicho” which means “to arrange in order, in a regular line.”
So, what’s Paul’s idea here?
Identify these “elements,” please.
Probably (again) the Law of Moses!
Virtually the Books of Genesis through Deuteronomy!
Commandment number 1, then 2, then 3, then 4, then 5, then 6, then 7, then 8 … all the way to number 613, if the old Rabbi’s have counted correctly!
Wow, what a chain!
To live life strictly under that “regimen” would indeed be torture, “slavery!”
(By the way, that is exactly the way Paul did live his life as Saul of Tarsus! From Philippians 3, we learn of him … “If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the LAW, a Pharisee, touching the righteousness which is in the law, BLAMELESS.”)
But, as tomorrow’s Lesson will emphasize … Jesus came!
And died on Calvary!
And now offers us (while not at all condoning iniquity) Liberty!
Slavery behind!
Spirt Filled life ahead!
Remember 2 Corinthians 3:17 … “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” And He lives this very second … in my heart!
Yours too, if you’re born-again.
Free in Jesus!
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
Hallelujah!
I realize I often write myself into a spirit of praise!
Lots of Lessons have ended this way … “Thanks be unto God!”