But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the free woman was by promise.
All Commentaries on Galatians 4:23 Go To Galatians 4
John Chrysostom
AD 407
Isaac was not born in the natural manner usual in marriages, or according to the body’s natural power, and yet was a lawful son…. Natural processes did not produce his conception, nor did the seed conceive him. For Sarah’s womb was dead both through age and through sterility. But the Word of God formed him…. Nevertheless the one not born according to the flesh was in greater honor than the one who was. Do not, then, be dismayed that you were not born according to the flesh, for your not being born according to the flesh makes you all the more kin to him. For conception that is not according to natural processes is more remarkable and more spiritual.
