What was happening in Jerusalem and at the Temple when Paul wrote Galatians?
When Paul wrote Galatians, around A.D. 58, the Temple in Jerusalem was still operating. Israel remained under the Law and was still practicing it, with sacrifices being offered by the thousands. The earthly Jerusalem was in bondage with her children, while the Jerusalem above is free.
Les explains that when Paul wrote Galatians, about A.D. 58, the Temple was still operating in Jerusalem. Israel was still under the Law and still practicing it, and sacrifices were being offered by the thousands. In the allegory, Hagar represents Mount Sinai in Arabia and answers to the Jerusalem that now is, which is in bondage with her children. Over against that, the Jerusalem which is above is heavenly and free, the mother of us all, referring to Sarah, the free woman who had the child by promise. Les points out that this free Jerusalem stands in contrast to the Law given to Moses at Sinai.
For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.
More Questions
Why did Paul say the present Jerusalem was 'in bondage' in Galatians 4:25?
The 'Jerusalem which now is' in Paul's day was in bondage with her children because Israel was still under the Mosaic Law, with the Temple still operating and sacrifices being offered by the thousands.