Who was Paul addressing in Galatians 4:8-9?
Paul was addressing former pagans and idolaters who had recently come out of darkness into the light of Paul's gospel. They were converts from idolatry and paganism, now being warned not to turn back to their former religious practices.
Les explains that Paul's converts came from a background of paganism, idolatry, mythology, and idol worship. The whole world around Paul was steeped with paganism. In Galatians 4:8-9, Paul refers to these people who had recently been steeped in idolatry and paganism, had now come out of the darkness and stepped into the light of Paul's gospel. He reminds them that after knowing God, they were turning back to the weak and beggarly elements. Les parallels this with Paul in Athens, where he addressed the altar to the unknown god and pointed out their superstition and fear of evil powers.
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 word does Paul use in Galatians 4:8 that he also used in Romans?
The word 'service' Paul uses in Galatians 4:8 is the same word he used back in Romans (Romans 9:4).
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.
Who were the Galatians serving before they knew God according to Galatians 4:8?
Before the Galatians knew God, they served beings that by nature are not gods, that is, false gods/idols.