Paul's appeal and anguish

Children, Not Slaves · Galatians 4

Story guide: Disclosed memory reconstruction. Paul recalls being received despite bodily weakness and appeals tenderly to the Galatians; the illustration does not diagnose his illness or invent speech.

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12Become as I am, because I also am as you are, brothers; I beg you, you did me no wrong.

13But you know that it was because of an illness of the flesh that I first proclaimed the good news to you,

14And though my bodily condition was a trial to you, you did not treat me with contempt or disgust; rather, you welcomed me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus.

15Where then is your blessedness? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me.

16So then, have I become your enemy by telling you the truth?

17They are zealous for you, but not in a good way. Rather, they want to shut you out, so that you may be zealous for them.

18But it is good to be sought eagerly for a good purpose at all times, and not only when I am present with you.

19My children, for whom I am again suffering birth pains until Messiah is formed in you,

20But I wish I could be with you right now and change my tone, because I am perplexed about you.

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