12 I beg you, brothers and sisters: Become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You have not wronged me; 13 you know[a] that previously I preached the gospel to you because of a weakness of the flesh. 14 You did not despise or reject me though my physical condition was a trial for you.[b] On the contrary, you received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus himself.

15 Where, then, is your blessing? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me. 16 So then, have I become your enemy because I told you the truth?(A) 17 They court you eagerly, but not for good. They want to exclude you from me, so that you would pursue them. 18 But it is always good to be pursued[c] in a good manner—and not just when I am with you. 19 My children,(B) I am again suffering labor pains(C) for you until Christ is formed in you. 20 I would like to be with you right now and change my tone of voice, because I don’t know what to do about you.

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Footnotes

  1. 4:12–13 Or 12 Become like I am, because I—inasmuch as you are brothers and sisters—am not requesting anything of you. You wronged me. 13 You know
  2. 4:14 Other mss read me
  3. 4:18 Lit zealously courted

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