Charles Ellicott Commentary Galatians 4:8

"Howbeit at that time, not knowing God, ye were in bondage to them that by nature are no gods:" — Galatians 4:8 (ASV)

Them which by nature are no gods.—The gods of the heathen are called by St. Paul “devils.” (See 1 Corinthians 10:20: The things which the Gentiles sacrifice they sacrifice to devils, and not to God.)

On verses 8-11:

The results of the preceding argument are now turned against the Galatians. In their old heathen state they had been in bondage to gods that were no gods. From this bondage they had been delivered. They had been raised to a true knowledge of God, and received a Father’s recognition from Him. How then could they possibly think of returning to a system of mere ceremonialism? All this painful observance of times and seasons could only make the Apostle think that his labours on their behalf had been thrown away.