28 Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise.

Other Translations of Galatians 4:28

New International Version

28 Now you, brothers and sisters, like Isaac, are children of promise.

English Standard Version

28 Now you,Some manuscripts we brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise.

The Message

28 Isn't it clear, friends, that you, like Isaac, are children of promise?

New King James Version

28 Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are children of promise.

New Living Translation

28 And you, dear brothers and sisters, are children of the promise, just like Isaac.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Galatians 4:28

Commentary on Galatians 4:28-31

(Read Galatians 4:28-31)

The history thus explained is applied. So then, brethren, we are not children of the bond-woman, but of the free. If the privileges of all believers were so great, according to the new covenant, how absurd for the Gentile converts to be under that law, which could not deliver the unbelieving Jews from bondage or condemnation! We should not have found out this allegory in the history of Sarah and Hagar, if it had not been shown to us, yet we cannot doubt it was intended by the Holy Spirit. It is an explanation of the subject, not an argument in proof of it. The two covenants of works and grace, and legal and evangelical professors, are shadowed forth. Works and fruits brought forth in a man's own strength, are legal. But if arising from faith in Christ, they are evangelical. The first covenant spirit is of bondage unto sin and death. The second covenant spirit is of liberty and freedom; not liberty to sin, but in and unto duty. The first is a spirit of persecution; the second is a spirit of love. Let those professors look to it, who have a violent, harsh, imposing spirit, towards the people of God. Yet as Abraham turned aside to Hagar, so it is possible a believer may turn aside in some things to the covenant of works, when through unbelief and neglect of the promise he acts according to the law, in his own strength; or in a way of violence, not of love, towards the brethren. Yet it is not his way, not his spirit to do so; hence he is never at rest, till he returns to his dependence on Christ again. Let us rest our souls on the Scriptures, and by a gospel hope and cheerful obedience, show that our conversation and treasure are indeed in heaven.