Galatians 4:12-14 (WEL) Brothers, I plead with you, be as I am, for I am like you. You haven’t hurt me at all. 13 You know that, through the weakness of the flesh, I preached the Gospel to you at first. 14 You didn’t despise or reject me because of the condition which was in my flesh, but took me in as an angel of God, even as you would Christ Jesus.
V12 Brothers, I plead with you, be as I am, for I am like you. You haven’t hurt me at all.
As I am refers to Paul’s lifestyle, which is not according to Jewish laws, but according to the Law of Christ. Compare 1 Corinthians 9:21.
Mosaic law is totally done away with and replaced by the Law of Christ. Some principles remain as 1) the summary (Luke 10:27 and Romans 13:9) and 2) all of the Ten Commandments except the Sabbath laws (Romans 13:9-10, Ephesians 6:2, Matthew 4:10, 1 John 5:21, Matthew 6:9 (1 Timothy 6:1), and there is nothing in the Law of Christ about the Sabbath (Romans 14:5 and Galatians 4:10-11).
Comments:
Alford: “You want to become disciples of that Law which imposes heavy burdens on men: if you will bear burdens, bear ONE ANOTHER’S burdens, and thus fulfill…the law of Christ,—a far higher and better law, whose only burden is love.”
V13 You know that, through the weakness of the flesh, I preached the Gospel to you at first.
Perhaps Paul is speaking of the general weakness of humans, including Christians. Yet, it might be referring to Paul’s thorn in the flesh, hunger, etc. Nevertheless, we need God’s assisting grace (2 Corinthians 12:9-10 and John 15:5 with Philippians 4:13). Also see Colossians 1:11.
V14 You didn’t despise or reject me because of the condition which was in my flesh, but took me in as an angel of God, even as you would Christ Jesus.
Showed love and compassion to Paul even though he had weakness. This is a principle for Christians that we are not to necessarily regard one’s appearance but judge a person’s character.
Wuest Word Studies:
“Regarding Paul’s illness at Antioch, the following facts should be noted. First, it occurred under the observation of the Galatians who watched its progress, were familiar with its repulsive symptoms, and showed tender sympathy toward the sufferer. This fact may help us to understand the words, “Ye had done me no wrong.” The Galatians might easily have spurned Paul and refused his fellowship. There he was, a Jew, and a stranger to them, afflicted with an illness that normally aroused disgust and loathing by reason of its repulsive nature. But instead of doing Paul the wrong of rejecting him, they welcomed him with open arms, and his gospel message with open hearts.”
We learn:
- We are weak and need God’s help.
- If we are sick, weak, discouraged, we can still serve God in some way.
Questions:
- Have you used physical or emotional weaknesses as an excuse to not serve God?
- Do you reject Christians because of their weaknesses?