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1
The Slavery of Idolatry
Commentators explain that before knowing Christ, the Gentile Galatians were in a state of genuine "bondage" or "slavery." They served idols which are described as "no gods by nature." Scholars like Calvin and Barnes note this servitude was rooted in an ignorance of the one true God, a state of "dreadful blindness." This past slavery makes their new freedom in Christ all the more precious.
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Galatians
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Commentaries
7
Albert Barnes
On Galatians 4:8
18th Century
Theologian
Howbeit. But, alla. The address in this verse and the following is evidently to the portion of the Galatians who had been heathen…
AT Robertson
On Galatians 4:8
To them which by nature are not gods (τοις φυσε μη ουσ θεοις). In 1 Corinthians 10:20 he terms them "demons," the "so-…
Charles Ellicott
On Galatians 4:8
19th Century
Bishop
Them which by nature are no gods.—The gods of the heathen are called by St. Paul “devils.” (See [Reference 1 Corinthians …
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Expositor's Bible Commentary
On Galatians 4:8
For the third time (cf. 3:23ff.; 4:lff.) Paul speaks of the former enslaved state of the Galatians. His reason this time is to establish the folly …
John Calvin
On Galatians 4:8
16th Century
Theologian
But when you did not yet know God. This is not intended as an additional argument; and indeed he had already proved his point so fully tha…
John Gill
On Galatians 4:8
17th Century
Pastor
Howbeit then, when you know not God
Whilst in Gentilism, and in a state of unregeneracy, they had no true knowledge …
Matthew Henry
On Galatians 4:8–11
17th Century
Minister
The happy change by which the Galatians were turned from idols to the living God, and through Christ had received the adoption of sons, was the eff…