Adjectives they are, “weak” and “beggarly” both!
And there’s not (among scholars and theologians) a full consensus on what (exactly) they are describing in Galatians 4:9, Paul’s great divinely inspired Treatise on our Liberty in Christ, or maybe better, on the Grace of God!
Here’s our Text today: “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?”
The word “weak” (in Greek) is “asthenes,” literally meaning “no strength.” (The root word here may be a negation related to “histemi,” another Greek verb meaning “to stand!” As in (not) standing strong!
It’s twin descriptor “beggarly” translates “ptochos,” a word suggesting “abject poverty,” even to the extreme state of having to “beg” for things!
Not very flattering terms!
And the Galatian Christians “have turned” (have looked away from Paul’s teaching toward some new doctrine they’ve learned from certain men who have infiltrated the Church, men from Jerusalem, men with ardent “Law of Moses” leanings), a verb that means “to reverse course.” (The verb here is written in the present tense, active voice … meaning they were currently in the process of turning, of their own volition too!)
Wow!
But again, what do the adjective describe, to what are they turning?
Paul uses the rare word “elements,” spelled stoicheion,” which means “any first thing … from which a whole sequence of other things derive.” (As in our ABC’s! Or our 123’s!)
Things which the Galatians now should be “over.”
God had given them better things!
It’s like a 10th grader wanting to go back into Kindergarten!
But what are these “elements?”
I believe they are the 613 commandments of the Law, the Law of Moses!
One reason I hold this view is that in the next verse (Galatians 4:10) Paul rebukes his little flock for following or observing “days, and months, and times, and years.” Sabbaths and Festivals and Circumcisions (on the 8th day of a little boy’s life) and Jubilees, etc.
That’s the Law, or in integral part of it!
Don’t misunderstand me.
We present day Believers in Jesus must live holy, godly lives. But the Holy Spirit is the “Sheriff” Who directs us in this noble endeavor! Not Moses and his legislation!
We now live for Jesus not because we are FORCED to do so (via the Law) … but because we LOVE our Lord and WANT to so behave (via the impulses of the Holy Spirit)!!!
Need anything else be said?
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
Yes, the Law of Moses is “weak.” It has no power to save a lost soul from Hell!
And yes too, the Law of Moses is “beggarly,” so impoverished it can add nothing beneficial to a Christian’s life, not one who is enjoying the riches of God’s amazing Grace!
Thank God today for GRACE!