Galatians 4: Points to Ponder

Paul makes an appeal to the hearts of the Galatians. In verses 12-20 he shows his concern by reminding them of their initial reception of him and asks a question which is filled with irony as to whether he has become their enemy.

He accuses his opponents of having low motives in courting the hearts of these church members. He has anxiety for the members and is perplexed as to whether these revisions of the gospel will take root and he wants to be with the Galatians to fight for them in person.

His feelings are a mixture of tenderness and anguish for these he loves and he feels these are his own children he is addressing.

Verses 19-20 give a glimpse into the real struggles of Paul the pastor. Things have not gone right with his flock in Galatia. The attention they have paid to those insisting on circumcision has led to their alienation from him. 

The relation between flock and pastor needs to be restored. Few other places in the letter afford such a clear view into the heart of pastor Paul.