Read & explore together
Paul’s Concern for the Galatians
Paul writes with deep concern because the Galatians are in danger of returning to spiritual slavery. In this passage, he reminds them of the change God has brought, their earlier welcome of him, and his longing to see Christ formed in them.
Understanding the passage
The setting of these words
This part of Galatians is written as direct appeal and teaching. Paul contrasts the Galatians’ former bondage when they did not know God with their present knowledge of God, then questions why they are turning back. He also recalls his first visit and speaks personally about their relationship and his present anxiety.
Galatians 4:8–20Main takeaway
Paul urges the Galatians not to return to bondage, but to keep responding to the truth so that Christ is formed in them.
Follow the letter’s teaching
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01From not knowing God to being known by GodPaul begins by reminding them of their past and present. Formerly they were in bondage to beings that are not gods.
Explanation
Paul begins by reminding them of their past and present. Formerly they were in bondage to beings that are not gods. Now they have come to know God, and Paul immediately adds an even stronger truth: they are known by God. That makes their return to bondage a serious step backwards.
02A troubling return to bondagePaul describes this backward move as returning to weak and miserable elemental principles.
Explanation
Paul describes this backward move as returning to weak and miserable elemental principles. He points to their observance of days, months, seasons, and years as evidence of this turn. His concern is not casual. He fears that his labour among them may prove wasted if they continue this direction.
03Remember how you first received mePaul asks them to become as he is, saying he had become as they are. He reminds them that they did him no wrong when he first preached to them during weakness in the flesh.
Explanation
Paul asks them to become as he is, saying he had become as they are. He reminds them that they did him no wrong when he first preached to them during weakness in the flesh. Instead of despising him, they welcomed him warmly, even as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus.
04Truth, false influence, and Paul’s longingPaul contrasts their former affection with their present attitude by asking whether telling the truth has made him their enemy.
Explanation
Paul contrasts their former affection with their present attitude by asking whether telling the truth has made him their enemy. He warns that others are eager for them in a harmful way, wanting to alienate them. Good zeal has its place, and Paul’s own desire is clear: that Christ be formed in them.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01Why does Paul say their situation is worse than simply changing opinions?
Look at the contrast between being in bondage when they did not know God and now being known by God, then notice why turning back matters so much.
02What details show that Paul is speaking from personal experience, not only from abstract teaching?
Notice his references to his weakness in the flesh, their earlier welcome, and his present perplexity about them.
03How does Paul distinguish between good zeal and harmful influence?
Compare the people who seek the Galatians in order to alienate them with Paul’s desire for Christ to be formed in them.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
Galatians 4:8–20
8However at that time, not knowing God, you were in bondage to those who by nature are not gods.
9But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, why do you turn back again to the weak and miserable elemental principles, to which you desire to be in bondage all over again?
10You observe days, months, seasons, and years.
11I am afraid for you, that I might have wasted my labor for you.
12I beg you, brothers, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You did me no wrong,
13but you know that because of weakness in the flesh I preached the Good News to you the first time.
14That which was a temptation to you in my flesh, you didn’t despise nor reject; but you received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus.
15What was the blessing you enjoyed? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have plucked out your eyes and given them to me.
16So then, have I become your enemy by telling you the truth?
17They zealously seek you in no good way. No, they desire to alienate you, that you may seek them.
18But it is always good to be zealous in a good cause, and not only when I am present with you.
19My little children, of whom I am again in travail until Christ is formed in you—
20but I could wish to be present with you now, and to change my tone, for I am perplexed about you.