The parable of the Two Covenants is a profound allegory found in the New Testament, specifically in the Epistle to the Galatians. This parable is not a traditional parable spoken by Jesus but rather an allegorical interpretation provided by the Apostle Paul to illustrate the distinction between the Old and New Covenants. It is a key theological concept that underscores the transition from the Mosaic Law to the grace found in Jesus Christ.

Biblical Context

The parable is located in Galatians 4:21-31. Paul addresses the Galatian church, which was struggling with the influence of Judaizers who insisted that Gentile converts must adhere to the Mosaic Law, including circumcision. Paul uses the account of Abraham's two sons, Ishmael and Isaac, to draw a parallel between the two covenants.

The Allegory

In Galatians 4:22-24 , Paul writes, "For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and the other by the free woman. His son by the slave woman was born according to the flesh, but his son by the free woman was born through the promise. These things serve as an allegory, for the women represent two covenants."

1. Hagar and Ishmael: Hagar, the slave woman, and her son Ishmael represent the Old Covenant, which is associated with Mount Sinai and the Mosaic Law. Paul describes this covenant as one of bondage, symbolizing the earthly Jerusalem and the legalistic adherence to the law. In Galatians 4:25 , Paul states, "Now Hagar stands for Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present Jerusalem, because she is in slavery with her children."

2. Sarah and Isaac: In contrast, Sarah, the free woman, and her son Isaac represent the New Covenant, which is based on the promise of God and is associated with the heavenly Jerusalem. This covenant is characterized by freedom and grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Paul emphasizes this in Galatians 4:26 , "But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother."

Theological Implications

The parable of the Two Covenants highlights several key theological themes:

· Freedom vs. Bondage: The New Covenant brings freedom from the bondage of the law. Believers are no longer under the yoke of legalism but are free in Christ. This freedom is not a license to sin but a call to live by the Spirit.

· Promise vs. Flesh: The birth of Isaac was a result of God's promise, while Ishmael's birth was a result of human effort. This distinction underscores the principle that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works of the law.

· Heavenly vs. Earthly: The allegory contrasts the earthly Jerusalem, representing the old order, with the heavenly Jerusalem, symbolizing the new creation in Christ. Believers are citizens of this heavenly city, living in the hope of eternal life.

· Inheritance: Paul concludes the allegory by affirming that believers, like Isaac, are children of promise and heirs of God's kingdom. In Galatians 4:31 , he writes, "Therefore, brothers, we are not children of the slave woman, but of the free woman."

Conclusion

The parable of the Two Covenants serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of the New Covenant in Christ. It calls believers to embrace the freedom and grace offered through faith, leaving behind the bondage of the law and living as heirs of the promise.Galatians 4:22-31
For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a female slave, the other by a free woman.
Nave's Topical Index

Parables in Relation to Similitudes. Jesus in his Own Country.
... is equivocal, or that there are two kinds of ... of His own country He speaks the parables
"which, when ... those who were "strangers from the covenants," [5259] the ...
/.../origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/16 parables in relation to.htm

The Figurative Language of Scripture.
... The apostle Paul makes an allegorical application of it to the two covenants, that
on Sinai ... Allegories and parables pass into each other by insensible degrees. ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxv the figurative language.htm

Selections from the Work against Heresies by Irenaeus, Bishop of ...
... out the things that have been said in parables, and building ... is the character of
each of the covenants; in searching ... of these men, since there are two or three ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/selections from the work against 2.htm

Against Heresies
... XXVII.--Proper mode of interpreting parables and obscure ... Chapter XXV.--Both covenants
were prefigured in Abraham ... These two classes are signified by the clean ...
//christianbookshelf.org/irenaeus/against heresies/

The Harmony of the Gospels.
... raising of Jairus' daughter, [303]134; curing two blind men ... Judas, was a thief,
[372]174; covenants to betray ... Parables, of the sower, etc., [410]143; of the ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/the harmony of the gospels.htm

Jeremy Taylor -- Christ's Advent to Judgment
... and when they have fasted two days, lay ... and limits himself by conditions and covenants,
and suffers ... with divers excellent promises, and parables, and examples ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons vol 2/jeremy taylor christs advent.htm

Excerpts of Theodotus;
... "By two and three ... since they are admitted to be expressed in parables, and from ... For
the covenants caused a more especial appearance of angels,"that [271] in ...
/.../theodotus/excerpts of theodotus/excerpts of theodotus.htm

A Few Sighs from Hell;
... mercy and truth to those that keep his covenants (Psalm 25:10 ... Christ to show you
the state of two single persons ... of the drift of Christ in his parables, do dream ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a few sighs from hell.htm

The New Covenant.
... So far the two dispensations are one ... goodness, religion is essentially the same thing
under both covenants. ... therefore, spoke unto the Jews in parables, in types ...
/.../chapter viii the new covenant.htm

Index of Subjects.
... thoughts, [516]195, [517]211; by the two blind men ... children in the temple, [664]409,
in parables, [665]416 ... in severity, [1136]109; of both Covenants, [1137]109 ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/index of subjects.htm

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