Galatians 4:5 – “to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

This verse explains the purpose of Jesus’ coming. Paul has just stated in Galatians 4:4 that God sent His Son at the perfect time. Now, he gives the reason: to redeem those under the law and to bring them into God’s family.

The word “redeem” means to buy back or set free by paying a price. In ancient times, this term was often used for slaves who were purchased and set free. Paul is saying that Jesus paid the price to free people from the burden of the law.

“Those under the law” refers to the Jewish people who were bound by the Old Testament law, but it also applies to all people who are trapped in sin, legalism, or religious systems that cannot save them.

The second part of the verse, “that we might receive adoption to sonship,” is one of the most powerful truths in the Bible. God’s goal was not just to set people free from the law—it was to bring them into His family. Jesus didn’t just rescue sinners; He made them sons and daughters of God, giving them full rights as His children.

Historical Context

In Paul’s time, both Jewish and Roman cultures had practices related to redemption and adoption that help us understand this verse better.

• Redemption in Jewish Law: In the Old Testament, a person who was enslaved or in deep debt could be redeemed by a family member who paid the price to set them free (Leviticus 25:47-49). Jesus fulfills this role as our redeemer.
• Redemption in Roman Society: Roman citizens could also redeem slaves by purchasing their freedom. This was a powerful image for Paul’s Roman audience—they would have understood that Jesus’ death was the price for their spiritual freedom.
• Adoption in Roman Culture: In Roman society, a wealthy man could adopt someone (even an adult) as his legal heir. Once adopted, that person had full rights as a son, just like a natural-born child. Paul is saying that God has done the same for believers—He has adopted them into His family through Jesus.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches several foundational truths about salvation:

• Salvation is about freedom. Jesus redeemed people from the burden of the law and the slavery of sin (Romans 6:6).
• Salvation is not just rescue—it’s relationship. God doesn’t just forgive sinners; He adopts them as His children (Romans 8:15).
• Salvation is costly. Redemption requires a price, and Jesus paid it with His life (1 Peter 1:18-19).
• Believers have full rights as God’s children. Adoption means we are not second-class citizens in God’s kingdom—we are His beloved sons and daughters with full access to Him (Ephesians 1:5).

Literary Analysis

Paul uses two key themes in this verse:

1. Redemption – A legal and economic term that refers to purchasing freedom.
2. Adoption – A family term that speaks of belonging and inheritance.

By using these words together, Paul shows the full picture of salvation: Jesus rescued us from slavery and brought us into God’s family. The transition from “slaves” to “sons” is a major theme in Galatians and in Paul’s writings.

Biblical Cross-References

• Romans 8:15-17 – “The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’”
• Ephesians 1:5 – “He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.”
• John 1:12 – “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”
• 1 Peter 1:18-19 – “For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed… but with the precious blood of Christ.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse reminds us that salvation is not just about escaping punishment—it’s about becoming part of God’s family. Many people struggle with feelings of guilt, unworthiness, or legalism, thinking they must earn God’s love. But Paul makes it clear: Jesus redeemed us so that we could be fully adopted into God’s family.

If you have trusted in Christ, you are not just forgiven—you are a child of God with full access to His love, His blessings, and His presence.

It also means that we no longer need to live in fear or bondage. Slaves worry about pleasing their master. Sons and daughters rest in their Father’s love.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

This verse reveals the depth of God’s love:

• He didn’t just save us—He adopted us. He wants a close, personal relationship with us.
• He was willing to pay the ultimate price. Jesus’ sacrifice was the cost of our redemption.
• He gives us full access to Him. Through adoption, we can approach God as “Abba, Father,” a term of intimacy and trust (Romans 8:15).

God’s love is not distant or conditional—it is personal and welcoming.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse directly connects to the mission of Jesus:

• Jesus was sent to redeem us. He came to fulfill the law and take our place (Galatians 3:13).
• Jesus paid the price for our freedom. His death on the cross was the cost of our redemption (Mark 10:45).
• Jesus made it possible for us to be adopted. Without His sacrifice, we could not enter God’s family (Hebrews 2:11).

This verse summarizes the heart of the gospel—Jesus didn’t come just to teach or perform miracles. He came to rescue us from slavery and bring us into God’s family.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does it mean to you personally that Jesus redeemed you from the law and sin?
2. How does understanding adoption change the way you see your relationship with God?
3. Do you struggle with feeling like you must earn God’s love? How does this verse challenge that mindset?
4. How does knowing you are a child of God change the way you live and pray?
5. What does this verse teach about the cost of salvation and the depth of God’s love?

This verse is a powerful reminder that salvation is not just about forgiveness—it is about being brought into God’s family. Jesus paid the price, and now we belong to Him, fully accepted as sons and daughters.