Galatians 4:12-31

 Galatians 4:12-31

This passage is so personal and the appeal so strong that it has the feel of a letter from a lover attempting to prevent a breakup. While we don’t fully understand verse 12, the general meaning is Paul saying, “I have a personal issue with you.” In fact, Paul refers to the gracious treatment he received at their first meeting as an appeal to their loyalty to one another. We do not know what the illness was that brought Paul to Galatia. Specific speculations are pointless, but in general, Paul was ill in such a way that he could not hide it. It might be tempting to reject someone who is making bold claims about God’s plan and power and at the same time is desperately and dangerously ill. The Galatians did not ‘despise’ or ‘loathe’ Paul (v. 14). “Despise” means to count as nothing or throw away.  “Loathe” means, literally, to ‘spit out,’ being utterly distasteful. Whatever Paul’s wrecthed condition might have been, rejection was the expected reaction. But instead they treated him like he was an angel or indeed as if he were Christ Himself. 

In fact, they were so compassionate they would have given him their own eyes. If taken as physical eyes, this may be in reference to the illness. It may be metaphorical, in which case the comment about the eyes may refer to the ability to see a way forward. Paul’s illness, treatment, and the recent defection of John-Mark may have left Paul in a state of extreme depression and discouragement. Paul might have been nearing the breaking point, and the Galatians’ love and faithfulness to the Gospel helped him pull through. 

With such a history of tender affection, how can they now be leaving their mature faith? It is because a rival is coming to them and attempting to steal their hearts. Paul is warning them that this new suitor is bad for them. Telling someone that the person who is attempting to woo him or her is a bad actor is never easy. In v. 17 Paul says, “They eagerly seek you…” We can almost imagine a person of nefarious character trying to seduce a good young man or woman. Those who offer such a warning are often not well received. It is heartbreaking to see someone who has had their lives ruined by such bad characters and relationships. Paul is watching this happen among a number of churches in the region. In this letter Paul has been bold even to the point of being harsh. But what else could he do for the church he loves? 

“Lord, help me to love the way Paul loved Your church. AMEN"