Galatians 4:12-20

content/bible_journal/galatians_4:12-20.md

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+title = "Galatians 4:12–20"
+date = "2023-08-13"
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+
+### [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.