1. Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differs nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;
2. But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.
3. Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:
4. But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
5. To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.
6. And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying,
7. Therefore you are no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
8. But then, when you knew not God, you did service unto them which by nature are no gods.
9. But now, after you have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn you again to the weak and beggarly elements, to which you desire again to be in bondage?
10. You observe days, and months, and times, and years.
11. I am afraid for you, lest I have bestowed upon you labor in vain.
12. Brethren, I beseech you, be as I am; for I am as you are: you have not injured me at all.
13. You know how through weakness of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first.
14. And my trial which was in my flesh you despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus.
15. Where is then the blessedness you spoke of? for I bear you witness, that, if it had been possible, you would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me.
16. Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?