Galatians 4:4 – “But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law.”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

This verse is a powerful statement about God’s perfect timing and His plan to save humanity. Paul is explaining that there was a specific moment in history when God chose to send Jesus into the world. This was not random or accidental—everything leading up to Jesus’ birth was part of God’s divine plan.

The phrase “when the set time had fully come” means that Jesus came at the exact moment God had prepared. The world was ready for the coming of the Messiah—spiritually, politically, and culturally.

“God sent His Son” shows that Jesus did not come into existence at His birth. He was already the Son of God, existing with the Father, but He was sent into the world as part of God’s salvation plan (John 1:1-2, 14).

“Born of a woman” emphasizes Jesus’ full humanity. He was not a spirit or an angel—He was fully human, born just like every other person. This was necessary so that He could represent us and take our place as the perfect sacrifice for sin.

“Born under the law” means that Jesus was born as a Jewish man, obligated to follow God’s law. Unlike everyone else, He perfectly obeyed the law and fulfilled it completely (Matthew 5:17). His obedience qualified Him to be the perfect Savior.

Historical Context

By the time Jesus was born, the world was in a unique situation that made His coming the perfect fulfillment of God’s plan:

• The Roman Empire provided peace and stability (Pax Romana), making travel and communication easier. This helped the spread of the gospel after Jesus’ resurrection.
• The Greek language was widely spoken, allowing the message of Jesus to reach many people quickly.
• The Jewish people were waiting for the Messiah, as they had suffered under foreign rule for centuries. Many longed for God’s promised Savior.
• The religious systems of both Jews and Gentiles had proven empty. People were spiritually hungry for truth, making them open to the message of Jesus.

All these factors made it clear that God’s timing was perfect. Jesus did not come too early or too late—He came exactly when He was meant to.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches us several deep truths about God’s plan:

• God is in control of history. He is not random or reactive—He works out His plans with precision (Isaiah 46:9-10).
• Jesus was both fully God and fully man. He was sent by God (His divine nature) and born of a woman (His human nature). This made Him the perfect mediator between God and people (1 Timothy 2:5).
• Jesus fulfilled the law. He was born under the same law as everyone else, yet He perfectly obeyed it so that He could redeem those who could not (Matthew 5:17).

Literary Analysis

This verse is structured to emphasize the movement of God’s plan:

1. “When the set time had fully come” – God’s timing was intentional.
2. “God sent His Son” – Jesus’ mission was from the Father.
3. “Born of a woman” – Jesus became fully human.
4. “Born under the law” – He was subject to the law but fulfilled it.

Paul packs a rich theology into a single verse, showing the connection between divine sovereignty, Jesus’ mission, and our redemption.

Biblical Cross-References

• John 1:14 – “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
• Romans 5:6 – “You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.”
• Matthew 5:17 – “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”
• Philippians 2:6-7 – “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse reminds believers that God is always in control of timing. Just as He had a perfect plan for Jesus’ arrival, He has a perfect plan for our lives. We may feel impatient or uncertain, but God is never late.

It also challenges us to trust in the full humanity and full divinity of Jesus. Because He was born as one of us, He understands our struggles. Because He was sent by God, He has the power to save us.

This verse should also remind us that Jesus fully obeyed God’s law, something we could never do. Because of Him, we are no longer slaves to sin or religious legalism—we are free in Christ.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

This verse is a declaration of God’s love. God did not abandon humanity—He sent His Son at the right time to rescue us.

• God’s love is purposeful. He planned for our salvation long before we ever knew we needed it (Ephesians 1:4).
• God’s love is personal. He sent His Son to be one of us, to live among us, and to save us from our sins.
• God’s love is sacrificial. Jesus humbled Himself to be born under the law so that He could redeem us (Philippians 2:8).

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse is all about Jesus!

• Jesus was sent by God. He existed before His birth and came with a mission (John 3:16).
• Jesus was fully human. He was born of a woman and experienced life as we do (Hebrews 2:17).
• Jesus was born under the law. He fully obeyed God’s commands and became the perfect sacrifice for sin (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Through Jesus, we are no longer slaves under the law—we are children of God (Galatians 4:5-7).

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does this verse teach you about God’s timing in your own life?
2. How does knowing Jesus was “born of a woman” help you relate to Him personally?
3. Why is it important that Jesus was “born under the law” and obeyed it completely?
4. How does this verse encourage you to trust God’s plan, even when you don’t understand His timing?
5. What does this verse reveal about God’s love for humanity?

This verse is a powerful reminder that Jesus’ arrival was not random—it was the fulfillment of a carefully planned rescue mission. God’s timing is always perfect, His love is always present, and His Son came to bring us into a relationship with Him.