In the preceding verse the metaphor seems to be taken from the affection of husband and wife (see 1 Corinthians 11:2-3). Now it is changed to that from a mother in travail.

My little children A form of address expressive of great tenderness, common with St John, but used only here by St Paul. This verse maybe a continuation of the preceding. But it is better to take it as an apostrophe, and to regard the particle -but" (see note) at the beginning of Galatians 4:20 as resumptive of the train of thought from Galatians 4:18.

again This had first taken place at their conversion.

until Christ be formed in you The indwelling of Christ in the believer's soul is the principle of his new life. To restore this after a relapse is a task of deep anxiety to the Apostle. Calvin sees here an illustration of the efficacy of the Christian ministry. God ascribes to His ministers that work which He Himself performs through the power of His Spirit, acting by human instruments.

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