Galatians 4:8–20

Paul’s Concern for the Galatians

⁸But in the past, when you didn’t know God, ^cyou were enslaved to things ^dthat by nature are not gods. ⁹But now, since you know God, ^eor rather have become known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and bankrupt ^felemental forces? ^gDo you want to be enslaved to them all over again? ¹⁰You observe special days, months, seasons, and years. ^h11I am fearful for you, that perhaps my labor for you has been wasted.

¹²I beg you, brothers: Become like me, for I also became like you. You have not wronged me; ¹³you know that previously I preached the gospel to you because of a physical illness. ¹⁴You did not despise or reject me though my physical condition was a trial for you. ⁱOn the contrary, you received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus Himself.

¹⁵What happened to this sense of being blessed you had? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me. ¹⁶Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth? ^j17They ^kare enthusiastic about you, but not for any good. Instead, they want to isolate you so you will be enthusiastic about them. ¹⁸Now it is always good to be enthusiastic about good—and not just when I am with you. ¹⁹My children, ^lI am again suffering labor pains ^mfor 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.