Deeper Reflection
In this very profound passage, the Apostle Paul combined two metaphors: inheritance and slavery. The children of God in the Old Covenant were held under the law (v.23). Even though children are heirs, they are no different from slaves because children are not yet old enough to receive their inheritance as sons (Gal 4:1). Here, Paul metaphorically depicts the law as the guardian of the children, who are still too young to receive the inheritance. Then, he mixes in the metaphor of slavery – slaves need to be redeemed before they can be set free.Now we can see what Jesus Christ has done. The time has come for the sons of God, no longer children, to receive their inheritance. The guardian (the law) is no longer needed because the children have grown up. But there is a second metaphor – slavery. A redemption price must be paid – this is paid by God, who sent His Son to redeem us (Gal 4:4-5). Because we are redeemed, we are adopted by God as sons and daughters, and receive the inheritance of the Spirit.We can explain the above in this way: When the set time had fully come (in history), God sent His Son Jesus Christ (destiny). History was placed firmly back in the cradle of destiny by the Christ of destiny. You and I – sons and daughters of God through faith in Christ (Gal 3:26) – are called to walk according to the Spirit and not according to the flesh (Gal 5:16-26), as heirs of the promise (Gal 3:29).