From the elementary principles (or spirits) of the world to son or daughter of GodFrom ESV Study Bible: “Gal. 4:3 elementary principles. Both here and in v. 9 the expression refers to the elementary principles the Galatians previously followed, which for Jews would be the Mosaic law and for Gentiles the basic concepts of their pagan religions. But the additional overtones of demonic bondage in this phrase should not be ignored; they were, in terms of their mind-set and life situation, under a legalistic system and enslaved, and Paul explains in v. 8 that this enslavement was “to those that by nature are not gods.” Legalistic superstition and demonic domination are closely linked.”From slave to son or daughter to heir … destiny“But now that you have come to know God, or rather be known by God” you want to turn back to the “weak and worthless elementary principles (or spirits) of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more”? (People of Israel on shore of Red Sea)They make much of you, but for no good purpose … (being manipulated in a culture war … isn’t that a version of what is happening here?)
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