For Paul, pagan idolatry and reliance on the law to get right with God amount to the same thing. Neither can offer any help to save our souls.

The Incomprehensibility of Turning to Law: Galatians 4:8–11, Part 1

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Hagar represents the effort to be right with God by keeping the law. But human effort can never bring forth the children of God. Hagar only begets slaves.

Hagar, the Mother of Slavery: Galatians 4:21–31, Part 4

The children of God are not the product of human effort. Like Isaac, they are brought forth by divine promise based on divine prerogative.

Born by Flesh, Born by Promise: Galatians 4:21–31, Part 3

When Paul read his Old Testament, what implicit meaning did he see in the characters of Hagar and Sarah?

A Tale of Two Mothers: Galatians 4:21–31, Part 2

What is Paul’s main point in the allegory of Sarah and Hagar? What truth does he want his readers to see from this Old Testament story?

The Purpose of Allegory: Galatians 4:21–31, Part 1

Children of God come into being when Christ is formed in them through faith. Paul compares his whole ministry to a matchmaker and a mother.

The Incomprehensibility of Turning to Law: Galatians 4:8–11, Part 1

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