Digging Deeper into Galatians Chapter 4b v.13-20

Paul’s fears for the churches in Galatia

Believers have been set free

13 You know that because of physical infirmity I preached the gospel to you at the first. 14 And my trial which was in my flesh you did not despise or reject, but you received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. 15 What then was the blessing you enjoyed? For I bear you witness that, if possible, you would have plucked out your own eyes and given them to me. 16 Have I therefore become your enemy because I tell you the truth?

✦ Verse 13: “Because of a bodily ailment…”

Unexpected circumstances: Paul’s initial visit to Galatia was due to illness. This suggests his missionary journey there was not planned—it was providential.

Physical weakness: His ailment may have made him appear unimpressive or even repulsive, yet they still welcomed him. Some think malaria (quartan) others think an eye condition.

Verse 14: “You did not scorn or despise me…”

Radical hospitality: Despite his condition, they received him with reverence—“as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus.”

Contrast with current attitude: Paul is highlighting how far they have drifted from their original warmth and openness.

✦ Verse 15: “You would have gouged out your eyes…”

Hyperbolic affection: This vivid metaphor shows how deeply they once cared for him. Some scholars think Paul’s ailment may have involved his eyes, hence the reference.

Loss of joy: “What has become of your blessedness?”—Paul is lamenting the loss of their spiritual joy and gratitude.

✦ Verse 16: “Have I become your enemy…?”

Painful irony: Paul’s truth-telling, meant to protect them, has made them turn against him. How often this happens in Christian life e.g. John the Baptist and Charlie Kirk etc..

Emotional tension: This verse captures the heartbreak of a teacher whose students have rejected both the message and the messenger.

This section is deeply pastoral. Paul is not just defending doctrine—he is defending a relationship. He is showing that truth and love must go hand in hand, and that spiritual deception often begins with forgetting how we first received grace.

17 They zealously court you, but for no good; yes, they want to exclude you, that you may be zealous for them. 18 But it is good to be zealous in a good thing always, and not only when I am present with you. 19My little children, for whom I labour in birth again until Christ is formed in you, 20 I would like to be present with you now and to change my tone; for I have doubts about you.

Verse 17: “They make much of you…”

Flattery with an agenda: Paul warns that the Judaizers are showering the Galatians with attention—not out of love, but to manipulate them.

“Shut you out”: They want to isolate the Galatians from Paul and the true gospel, so the Galatians will depend on them instead.

Power dynamics: This is about control. The false teachers want admiration and authority, not spiritual growth.

✦ Verse 18: “It is always good…”

Affirming healthy encouragement: Paul is not against being “made much of”—he is against flattery used for selfish ends.

Consistency matters: He is saying, “Don’t just respond when I’m around—stay grounded in truth whether I’m present or not.”

Verse 19: “My little children…”

Tenderness and pain: Paul uses maternal imagery—he is in “anguish of childbirth,” longing for Christ to be fully formed in them.

Spiritual formation: This is not just about belief—it is about transformation. Paul wants them to reflect Christ in their lives.

Repeated labour: He already “gave birth” to them spiritually, but now he is going through the pain again because they are drifting.

✦ Verse 20: “I wish I could be present…”

Tone of frustration and love: Paul wants to be with them so he can speak more gently and clearly.

“Perplexed”: He is genuinely confused—how could they abandon grace after experiencing its power?

 Insights

This passage reveals Paul’s heart as a spiritual parent. He is not just defending doctrine—he is fighting for their souls. It is a reminder that truth without love is cold, and love without truth is dangerous. Paul shows both.

Amen

Personal Prayer

Materials consulted R L Solberg Galatians Lessons 1-5 YouTube.

David Pawson Unlocking the Bible Galatians Part 1 and 2.

Next time we look at the significance of the two different covenants starting in Galatians 4:21