Who was Paul referring to in Galatians 4:8?
Paul was referring to pagan idolaters—people steeped in idolatry, mythology, and idol worship. These were his converts' religious background, recently in darkness, who had now come out of paganism and stepped into the light of Paul's gospel, having formerly not known God.
Les teaches that in Galatians 4:8 Paul is referring to pagan idolaters. Paul used the same analogy and same word that Israel was steeped in with their worship system, because the pagans were doing much the same through ritual and services. Paul's converts came religiously from paganism; the whole world around him was steeped in paganism, mythology, and idol worship. So verse 8 points to people recently steeped in idolatry and paganism who had now come out of darkness and stepped into the light of Paul's gospel. Les also connects this to Athens, where Paul saw idols and an altar to the unknown God, and called the people too superstitious—fearing evil powers. Superstition, Les explains, is man's fear and opposing the powers of evil, never man seeking God.
Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods.
But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?
More Questions
What is the key word that connects Galatians 4:8 with Romans 9:4?
The word under discussion is 'service'—the same word Paul used in Romans for the sanctuary service.
What word ties Galatians 4:8 to the service described in Romans?
Paul used the same word 'service' in Galatians 4:8 that he used in Romans when speaking of Israel's service.