“Friends, I beg you, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You have done me no wrong. You know that it was because of a physical infirmity that I first announced the gospel to you; though my condition put you to the test, you did not scorn or despise me, but welcomed me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus. What has become of the goodwill you felt? For I testify that, had it been possible, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me. Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth? They make much of you, but for no good purpose; they want to exclude you, so that you may make much of them. It is good to be made much of for a good purpose at all times, and not only when I am present with you.” Galatians 4:12-18 (NRS)
Paul is concerned about his friends in Galatia. They have succumbed to the flattery of pharisaic teachers, who refuse to accept the simplicity of Calvary. These false teachers were deceiving the Galatians by requiring circumcision. The deception was so strong that his friends were questioning whether Paul had taught them correctly. He reminds them of how they had loved and respected him in the past, even to the point of wanting to give their eyes to relieve his suffering. Then he asks, “Now, have I become your enemy by telling you the truth?”
Paul points out that the deceivers were only professing a zeal for truth as a tool of deception. They wanted to exclude the Galatians so that they would revere the deceivers. One way to deceive people is to claim they do not meet the requirements; they are not doing enough or know enough; their standard is not high enough; etc. Such attitudes move the spotlight off of Calvary’s Christ and focus on human works and ability. In effect, the false teachers were erecting a barrier between the Galatians and Christ. The end results? The Galatians will seek truth from the deceivers and ignore Christ. Paul compliments the Galatians for seeking his council on this matter, even though he is not present with them.
Perhaps 21st century Christianity could learn much from Paul’s message to the Galatians. Why is Calvary not enough? Why is growing in grace not enough? Why is loving one another not enough? Why is grace, mercy, and faith not enough?
Dear Father, thank you for your grace and mercy. Forgive us for erecting barriers of human demands. Empower us with a zeal for your truth. Give us the spiritual fortitude to gain victory over human standards. This I pray in Jesus’ name. AMEN
Let us praise God for his work on Calvary and live to his glory,