ADOPTION — literally son-placing, and a LEGAL term rather than a sentimental one. Roman adoption gave an outsider a son's full standing and inheritance rights, was formally irrevocable, and was commonly used to secure an heir; readers in Rome knew exactly what it cost and how binding it was. Paul uses it five times, all in Romans and Galatians, and never of Jesus. At Romans 8:15 it names what was received, and at 8:23 it is still being waited for — both at once. → first discussed at Rom 8:15