Galatians 4:8-20

Christian Standard Bible

Paul’s Concern for the Galatians

⁸ But in the past, since you didn’t know God,^(A) you were enslaved to things^[a] that by nature are not gods. ⁹ But now, since you know God,^(B) or rather have become known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless^(C) elements?^(D) Do you want to be enslaved to them all over again? ¹⁰ You are observing special days, months, seasons, and years.^{(E) 11} I am fearful for you, that perhaps my labor for you has been wasted.

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^[b] 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.^[c] 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?^{(F) 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^[d] in a good manner—and not just when I am with you. ¹⁹ My children,^(G) I am again suffering labor pains^(H) 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.