But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now. Paul points to historical pattern. "But as then" (all' hōsper tote, ἀλλ' ὥσπερ τότε)—just as in that time. "He that was born after the flesh" (ho kata sarka gennētheis)—Ishmael, representing the flesh-principle. "Persecuted him that was born after the Spirit" (ediōken ton kata pneuma)—Ishmael persecuted Isaac. Genesis doesn't explicitly state this, but Genesis 21:9 says Ishmael "mocked" Isaac (Hebrew metsacheq), which Jewish tradition interpreted as harassment or persecution.
"Even so it is now" (houtōs kai nyn, οὕτως καὶ νῦν)—the same pattern continues. Those operating on the flesh-principle (Judaizers, law-observers, works-righteous religionists) persecute those operating on the Spirit-principle (believers trusting Christ's finished work and the Spirit's power). Law-religion has always opposed grace-religion. Cain killed Abel (1 John 3:12); Jews persecuted Jesus and apostles; Judaizers attacked Paul and confused Galatian believers. This persecution validates the Spirit-born: if the flesh-born opposed you, you're in good company with Isaac!
Historical Context
Paul experienced constant opposition from Judaizers who followed him undermining his gospel (Acts 15:1-5, 2 Corinthians 11:4-5, Philippians 3:2). This wasn't merely theological debate but often physical persecution (Acts 14:19, 2 Corinthians 11:24-25). The flesh/Spirit conflict manifests in religious persecution: those trusting their own righteousness can't tolerate those trusting Christ's righteousness alone. This pattern continues: legalists and works-righteous religious people often most fiercely oppose grace-centered gospel proclamation.
Questions for Reflection
Have you experienced opposition or mockery from religious people for trusting grace through faith rather than works of law?
Why does law-based religion so often oppose and persecute grace-based Christianity rather than welcoming it?
How should you respond when persecution comes from religious quarters rather than secular sources?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now. Paul points to historical pattern. "But as then" (all' hōsper tote, ἀλλ' ὥσπερ τότε)—just as in that time. "He that was born after the flesh" (ho kata sarka gennētheis)—Ishmael, representing the flesh-principle. "Persecuted him that was born after the Spirit" (ediōken ton kata pneuma)—Ishmael persecuted Isaac. Genesis doesn't explicitly state this, but Genesis 21:9 says Ishmael "mocked" Isaac (Hebrew metsacheq), which Jewish tradition interpreted as harassment or persecution.
"Even so it is now" (houtōs kai nyn, οὕτως καὶ νῦν)—the same pattern continues. Those operating on the flesh-principle (Judaizers, law-observers, works-righteous religionists) persecute those operating on the Spirit-principle (believers trusting Christ's finished work and the Spirit's power). Law-religion has always opposed grace-religion. Cain killed Abel (1 John 3:12); Jews persecuted Jesus and apostles; Judaizers attacked Paul and confused Galatian believers. This persecution validates the Spirit-born: if the flesh-born opposed you, you're in good company with Isaac!