Galatians 4:29

Born after the flesh. Historically, this was Ishmael (see on v. 22). In Paul’s allegory (see on v. 24) this refers to the Jews and Judaizing Christians of Paul’s day, who sought salvation through the materialistic requirements of the letter of the law (see on 2 Cor. 3:6).

Persecuted. For the historical circumstances alluded to see on Gen. 21:8-11; cf. v. 16:4, 5. The presence of Ishmael made the lot of Isaac a difficult one and threatened to deprive him of the birthright. In a similar way Jews and Judaizing Christians were now persecuting Gentile Christians and attempting to deprive them of the covenant promise of justification by faith.

Born after the Spirit. The historical reference is to Isaac as the son of promise (cf. v. 23). Here Paul refers to Christians who enter into the covenant promise of salvation by faith in Christ through the new birth (see on John 3:3, 5; Gal. 3:2, 3).

Now. All knew well of the persecution Paul had suffered, either directly from the Jews or at their instigation (see Acts 16:19; 19:24-28; see on 2 Cor. 11:24, 26). Paul was rarely disturbed by the Gentiles on their own initiative. His final imprisonment and execution were the result of false reports that originated with the Jews. The fiercest persecutions true Christians have had to suffer have ever been those in which so-called Christians sought to exterminate them because of differences in faith and practice.