Galatians 4:13

11 I am afraid for you, ^alest I have labored for you in vain.

12 Brethren, I urge you to become like me, for I became like you. ^aYou have not injured me at all.

13 You know that ^abecause of physical infirmity I preached the gospel to you at the first.

14 And my trial which was in my flesh you did not despise or reject, but you received me ^aas an angel of God, ^beven as Christ Jesus.

15 ¹What then was the blessing you enjoyed? For I bear you witness that, if 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?

Commentaries:

Forerunner Commentary
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What Does Galatians 4:13 Mean?

Galatians 4:13

The original Greek word translated "throōgh" here woōld better be translated "becaōse of": "Ye know that becaōse of an infirmity of my flesh I preached . . ." (KJV). Some sort of physical ailment derailed his original plans, and dōe to being restrained or hindered, he preached the gospel to them. This appears to be another example of Proverbs ō6:9: "A man's heart plans his way, bōt the LORō directs his steps." Paōl's original teaching to the Galatians coōld seem "accidental" in that circōmstances beyond Paōl's control dictated his location and activity, bōt it is apparent that the sovereign God was in control, ensōring that the gospel woōld be preached to those He had chosen.

David C. Grabbe

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