diff --git a/content/bible_journal/galatians_4:12-20.md b/content/bible_journal/galatians_4:12-20.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..def1848 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/bible_journal/galatians_4:12-20.md @@ -0,0 +1,37 @@ ++++ +title = "Galatians 4:12–20" +date = "2023-08-13" ++++ + +### [Read the passage.](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Galatians4.12-20) + +In his other letters, Paul talks about his evangelism strategy, where he meets +his audience in their context. When he first taught to the pagan Galatians, he +did not seek to keep himself separate through the ceremonial laws of his +upbringing, but showed them that he was a man just like them, a sinner in need +of grace. Now he wants them to return the favor by remaining free of the law's +demands because they are free in Christ. + +We learn here that Paul was ill in some way when he was with the Galatians, +though we don't know exactly what it was. It might have had to do with his +eyes, though some have suggested malaria or epilepsy. Whatever it was isn't +important, but the way the Galatians reacted to it is important. They received +him and took care of him in his ailment in spite of the hardship it caused them +to do so. But because he was sick and because they took him in, he was able to +preach the gospel to them and planted the churches in the region. + +The point of bringing this up in the letter is that Paul wants the Galatians to +remember the blessing God gave them when they heard his message, and to +remember the tender-hearted feelings they had for Paul at that time. He +contrasts this with the hard-heartedness that comes from following the +legalistic practices of Paul's opponents. The Galatians know Paul and loved +him, and there is no reason for that to change because Paul has not changed nor +has his message from God changed. But the attitudes of the Galatians towards +Paul have changed, and this causes him anguish and perplexity, which is why he +has been using such strong language in this letter. But loves the Galatians +still and wishes this were not so. + +* * * + +The pain of discipline and correction comes because You love us too much to +leave us in our error.