The Child Heir
"Let me show you the implications of this. As long as the heir is a minor, he has no advantage over the slave. Though legally he owns the entire inheritance, he is subject to tutors and administrators until whatever date the father has set for emancipation. That is the way it is with us: When we were minors, we were just like slaves ordered around by simple instructions (the tutors and administrators of this world), with no say in the conduct of our own lives." (Galatians 4:1-3 - The Message)
The word translated minor or child means an infant or baby. It also is used of a minor, a child in contrast to an adult. Paul says that the child of the owner of the household is really no different from the child of a slave in the household. Both are required to obey those in authority over them.
In fact, the heir of the household, when he is a child was required to obey the slaves that he would one day own. The two positions that Paul mentions in verse 2 are not the same as the child-attendant that Paul mentions in chapter 3.
Guardian or tutor is a general word used for a steward given a certain area of responsibility. This word was used for the guardian given responsibility for the general well being and training of the master’s children. They would often have other slaves, such as the child-attendant, under their direction who would directly take care of the children.
Steward or Governor or Administrator referred to the chief slave who was responsible for the affairs of the entire household. He was the overseer or household manager. He was often more a friend than a slave. In most cases, he had considerable authority and freedom in managing the affairs of the master’s house. He was in charge of all the household slaves and all the children.
The phrase in verse 3 “the elements of the world” or "simple instructions" has been the center of much debate. Elements refers to the rudimentary principles. It was used of children learning the alphabet. World, in the Greek, is kosmos. It had many shades of meaning.
When examined in context, the most likely interpretation is that Paul is referring to the Law as being the ABCs of the natural realm. It was designed for a time when people had a limited amount of spiritual understanding and required a guardian to protect their well being and a steward to oversee their affairs. This was the Law. During its dispensation saved people did not enjoy the freedom in Christ that we have now.
The word translated minor or child means an infant or baby. It also is used of a minor, a child in contrast to an adult. Paul says that the child of the owner of the household is really no different from the child of a slave in the household. Both are required to obey those in authority over them.
In fact, the heir of the household, when he is a child was required to obey the slaves that he would one day own. The two positions that Paul mentions in verse 2 are not the same as the child-attendant that Paul mentions in chapter 3.
Guardian or tutor is a general word used for a steward given a certain area of responsibility. This word was used for the guardian given responsibility for the general well being and training of the master’s children. They would often have other slaves, such as the child-attendant, under their direction who would directly take care of the children.
Steward or Governor or Administrator referred to the chief slave who was responsible for the affairs of the entire household. He was the overseer or household manager. He was often more a friend than a slave. In most cases, he had considerable authority and freedom in managing the affairs of the master’s house. He was in charge of all the household slaves and all the children.
The phrase in verse 3 “the elements of the world” or "simple instructions" has been the center of much debate. Elements refers to the rudimentary principles. It was used of children learning the alphabet. World, in the Greek, is kosmos. It had many shades of meaning.
When examined in context, the most likely interpretation is that Paul is referring to the Law as being the ABCs of the natural realm. It was designed for a time when people had a limited amount of spiritual understanding and required a guardian to protect their well being and a steward to oversee their affairs. This was the Law. During its dispensation saved people did not enjoy the freedom in Christ that we have now.
posted by David Frank Wilson | 1:23 PM
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