4:8 After proclaiming what the Galatians are, Paul reminds them of what they were. In contrast to their present state, in which they know God, the Galatians’ former life was one of slavery to those who by nature are not gods. This may recall Paul’s evangelistic preaching, in which he brought them to a recognition of the one God. Implicit in this description is the contrast between slavery and freedom, which will become an increasingly prominent theme of the letter.

4:9 Paul again describes and contrasts the Galatians’ present and former life. Reiterating that the Galatians know God, Paul further describes their present life as one of being known by God. A similar concept is expressed in 4:6–7, where Paul claims that the Galatians have been adopted by God and made heirs.

Stressing his inc…