For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
Ver. 15. The spirit of bondage] Δουλειας, as 2 Timothy 1:7, Δειλειας. The law will convince the judgment; but it is the gospel that convinceth the lust and the affection, and so sendeth us to treat with God as a Father, by fervent prayer. The Spirit is here called a "spirit of bondage;" because by the law he enlighteneth a man to see his bondage and slavery to sin and Satan, and his subjection to God's wrath and vengeance.