(17) For ye have not received the (p) spirit of bondage again (q) to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of (r) adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
(17) He declares and expounds (as an aside) in these two verses by what right this name, to be called the children of God, is given to the believers: and it is because, he says, they have received the grace of the gospel, in which God shows himself, not (as before in the proclaiming of the law) terrible and fearful, but a most gentle and loving Father in Christ, so that with great boldness we call him Father, the Holy Spirit sealing this adoption in our hearts by faith.
(p) By the "Spirit" is meant the Holy Spirit whom we are said to receive, when he works in our minds.
(q) Which fear the Spirit stirred up in our minds by the preaching of the law.
(r) Who seals our adoption in our minds, and therefore opens our mouths.