Revised Common Lectionary (Complementary)

⁸ Notwithstanding, when you did not know God, you served them which by nature are no gods. ⁹ But now, seeing you know God (yea rather, are known by God), how is it that you turn backward to the weak and poor rudiments, to which again you desire afresh to be in bondage? ¹⁰ You observe days and months and times and years. ¹¹ I fear for you, lest I have bestowed on you labour in vain. ¹² Brethren, I beseech you, be as I am, for I am as you are.

You have not hurt me at all. ¹³ You know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel to you at the first. ¹⁴ And the adversity I suffered by reason of my flesh, you did not turn away or shrink from, but you received me as an angel of God, yea as Christ Jesus. ¹⁵ How happy were you then? For I can attest that, if it had been possible, you would have plucked out your own eyes and given them to me. ¹⁶ Have I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?

¹⁷ They are fervent over you amiss. Yea, they intend to exclude you so that you will be fervent for them. ¹⁸ It is good always to be fervent, provided it be in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you.

¹⁹ My little children, for whom I travail in birth again until Christ be fashioned in you, ²⁰ I wish I were with you now, and could change my tone. For I am in doubt concerning you.