12b You have done me no wrong; 13 but you know that it was because of a bodily illness that I preached the gospel to you the first time; 14 and that which was a trial to you in my bodily condition you did not despise or loathe, but you received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus Himself.
Physical illness in the ancient world was often associated with a person falling out of favor with a deity, or seen as a personal weakness resulting in a social judgment of sorts. So it is noteworthy, as Paul points out, that the Galatians had not dismissed him because of his physical difficulties. They accepted him based solely on his message. They received him as an angel. In fact, they received him as the Lord Himself!
Paul’s ministry among the Galatians was not one of personal strength as might be expected of someone who was seemingly starting a new religious movement. His effectiveness was due solely to the work of God in his ministry. As he later wrote to the Corinthians, “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves…” (2 Corinthians 4:7) .
Apostleship was not easy, but it was part of the assignment he received from the Lord at his conversion: “But the Lord said to [Ananias], ‘Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel; for I will show him how much he must suffer for My name’s sake.’ ” (Acts 9:15–16). He affirmed another group of Christians: “ … so that no one would be disturbed by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we have been destined for this” (1 Thessalonians 3:3).
And when he was first evangelizing among the Galatians, he suffered greatly: “But Jews … having won over the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead. But while the disciples stood around him, he got up and entered the city” (Acts 14:19–20, see also 2 Timothy 3:11). So when Paul refers to illness this could have been brought on by his physical beatings while among the Galatians. The word translated “illness” can also be translated “weakness.” (For other descriptions of Paul’s sufferings, see 2 Corinthians 6:4-5, 11:23-27).
What’s Paul’s point here? He is calling the Galatians back to the circumstances of their salvation and their initial response to him—and to the original message (Galatians 3:1-5). They overlooked the superficialities, believing the word Paul spoke to them. So, also, they must listen to him now!
Lord, help me not to stray from the simple message of the gospel that was so clear when I first believed.
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