One of the most important principles concerning the study of the Word of God is the principle of isagogics. All it means is that you have to interpret a scriptural passage or principle based on what it meant when it was written. Therefore, to truly understand the principle of adoption, we have to understand what Paul meant when he used the word.

Adoption today is very different than it was when Paul wrote his New Testament Epistles. The Roman tradition of adoption was to be recognized as an adult son by aristocratic parents. The Greek word is HUIOTHESIA.

One of the reasons that Rome lasted so long, is that they were strict and serious about how the children were raised. They were to be brought up with discipline, and a real respect for authority. Adoption was the ceremony and act where a son was adopted and recognized as an adult. It was the act that passed down the family fortune, estate, or business, and gave the son the family opportunities, and qualified them to receive the inheritance.

This was not an automatic thing! Being a son of aristocracy meant nothing – you had to be adopted and approved as an adult son. If a Roman noble had a son that was a loser, or irresponsible, or otherwise not qualified, he would then go out and find someone else to adopt.

Adoption would place the son in the family business to continue it. The son would then have a plan and a purpose for his life. It conferred adulthood, and carried with it many opportunities, blessings, and responsibilities. It was the highest honor you could confer on your son.

Now remembering these principles, doesn’t this passage make more sense?

Galatians 4:1-7

1 Now I say, as long as the heir is a child, he does not differ at all from a slave although he is owner of everything,

2 but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by the father. (that’s the date for his adoption)

3 So also we, while we were children, were held in bondage under the elemental things of the world. (before our adoption, and before salvation)

4 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law,

5 so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.

6 Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!"

7 Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God.

We have been adopted by God! We have been approved to be recognized as adult members of His Family! As members of the family, we also have responsibility.

Ephesians 4:1-3

1 Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called,

2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love,

3 being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

More on the subject of adoption will follow. I just wanted to start with the historical background.