In what way were the Galatians slaves before they came to faith in Christ?
Galatians 4:8 (ESV)
8Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to those that by nature are not gods.
Prior to conversion, the Gentile Galatians would have served false gods (1 Thessalonians 1:9). In doing so, they were influenced by demonic powers (1 Corinthians 10:19–20).1 This way of life is designated as one of slavery, bondage to heathenism.2
8 Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to those that by nature are not gods.