4:18 Paul was shocked that those who had been so kind and caring toward him had so dramatically become hostile (cf. v. 16). In the context of verses 13–20, this interpretation fits best. 4:19 “My children, with whom I am again in labor” Paul often used familial metaphors because of their warmth. He called himself a father in 1 Cor. 4:15 and 1 Thess. 2:11 and here, a mother (cf. 1 Thess. 2:7). Paul may have been making the point that he was the true spiritual parent of the Galatians, not the Judaizers.