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1
An Illustration, Not Fiction
Scholars emphasize that when Paul calls this story an "allegory," he isn't denying its historical truth. Rather, he is using the real events concerning Hagar and Sarah as a powerful, Spirit-inspired illustration to reveal a deeper spiritual principle. This was a recognized teaching method to make a theological point.
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Book Overview
Galatians
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Commentaries
8
Albert Barnes
On Galatians 4:24
18th Century
Theologian
Which things. The different accounts of Ishmael and Isaac.
Are an allegory. This phrase means they may be regarded allegor…
AT Robertson
On Galatians 4:24
Which things contain an allegory (ατινα εστιν αλληγορουμενα). Literally, "Which things are allegorized" (periphrastic present pass…
Charles Ellicott
On Galatians 4:24
19th Century
Bishop
Which things are an allegory.—Literally, Which things are allegorized—that is, spoken in a double sense—
“Where mo…
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Charles Spurgeon
On Galatians 4:24
19th Century
Preacher
Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants: the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Hagar.
Expositor's Bible Commentary
On Galatians 4:24
This basic distinction between the two sons and in the manner of their conception and birth Paul now carries out in more complete spiritual terms, …
John Calvin
On Galatians 4:24
16th Century
Theologian
These are the two covenants. I have thought it better to adopt this translation, in order not to lose sight of the beauty of the compariso…
John Gill
On Galatians 4:24
17th Century
Pastor
Which things are an allegory
Or "are allegorized": so Sarah and Hagar were allegorized by Philo the Jew F16
Matthew Henry
On Galatians 4:21–27
17th Century
Minister
The difference between believers who rested in Christ only, and those who trusted in the law, is explained by the histories of Isaac and Ishmael. T…