notes
Main point summary
The Galatians should become like Paul because they fully trusted him in the past, and because his goal is not to exclude them but to make them Christlike.
4:12-20
editing
NT
Galatians 4:12-20
esv
Brothers, 1 t I entreat you, become as I am,
for I also have become as you are.
ground
u You did me no wrong.
You know it was v because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you w at first,
and though my condition was a trial to you,
you did not scorn or despise me,
but received me x as an angel of God, y as Christ Jesus.
negativepositive
concessive
actionresult
What then has become of your blessedness?
For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have gouged out your eyes and given them to me.
Have I then become your enemy
by z telling you the truth? 1
situationresponse
questionanswer
They make much of you,
but for no good purpose.
They want to shut you out,
that you may make much of them.
actionpurpose
ideaexplanation
It is always good to be made much of for a good purpose,
and a not only when I am present with you,
b my little children, c for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth
until Christ d is formed in you!
temporal
I wish I could be present with you now
and change my tone,
series
for I am perplexed about you.
progression
You didn't wrong me when I preached the gospel, but rather received me as Christ - and now you have rejected me!
What changed? It must be that I've started telling you the truth and so become your enemy! (But wait - I told you the truth then, too, or you wouldn't have received me.)
You accepted and trusted me before, and I haven't changed; what gives?
They make much of you for a sinful reason, but I make much of you to make you Christlike.
I'm making much of you via a letter, but it would be far better to do so in your presence - how I wish I could!
discourse