Galatians 4:7

This verse ends a long section that Paul started in 3:1. He showed clearly why the false teachers were wrong. The Christians in Galatia were no longer slaves. They were part of God’s family. They did not have to obey the rules and traditions of any religion. They were receiving the good things that God promised to Abraham. They received these good things because they trusted Jesus Christ.

Paul is worried about the Christians in Galatia

v8 In the past, you did not know God. You were slaves to gods who really are not gods. v9 But now, you know God. And it is even more important that God knows you. So I do not know why you are turning again to those weak and poor principles. I do not know why you want to become their slaves again. v10 You have special days and months and seasons and years. v11 I am worried about you. I do hope that my work among you was not in vain.

v12 My dear Christian brothers and sisters, I am a man like you. I appeal to you to behave like me. In the past, you did nothing bad to me. v13 You remember my first visit to you. My body was weak. But I *preached the *good news about Jesus Christ to you. v14 My illness caused great difficulty for you. But you did not refuse me. And you did not think that I was not important. Instead, you welcomed me as you would welcome one of God’s *angels. You received me in the same way that you would receive Jesus Christ himself. v15 You were so happy. But I do not know what has happened to change this. I know that you would have done anything for me. If possible, you even would have taken out your eyes and you would have given them to me. v16 I have told you the truth. I hope that I am not your enemy now because of this.