Galatians 4:8–20

PAUL’S CONCERN FOR THE GALATIANS

⁸But in the past, since you didn’t know God,^ac you were enslaved to things^F that by nature are not gods. ⁹But now, since you know God,^ad or rather have become known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless^ae elements?^af Do you want to be enslaved to them all over again? ¹⁰You are observing special days, months, seasons, and years.^{ag 11}I am fearful for you, that perhaps my labor for you has been wasted.

¹²I beg you, brothers and sisters: Become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You have not wronged me; ¹³you know that previously I preached the gospel to you because of a weakness of the flesh. ¹⁴You did not despise or reject me though my physical condition was a trial for you.^A On the contrary, you received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus himself.

¹⁵Where, then, is your blessing? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me. ¹⁶So then, have I become your enemy because I told you the truth?^{ah 17}They court you eagerly, but not for good. They want to exclude you from me, so that you would pursue them. ¹⁸But it is always good to be pursued^B in a good manner—and not just when I am with you. ¹⁹My children,^ai I am again suffering labor pains^aj for you until Christ is formed in you. ²⁰I would like to be with you right now and change my tone of voice, because I don’t know what to do about you.