Journey Through Snapshot Galatians 4:13

This week will look a little different. I have a couple of trips coming up, and I wasn’t sure how I could write the regular weekly devotion while traveling. I had the idea of a “snapshot”. Instead of the usual, longer, exegesis of a passage, we will focus on a verse or two to encourage your own reflection.

This first Journey Through Snapshot is one I have been meditating on the past week.

13 You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first, 14 and though my condition was a trial to you, you did not scorn or despise me, but received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus.[1]

Galatians 4:13-14

I don’t want to isolate these verses. Even with a snapshot, we want to keep the context. There are some differing opinions on whether this letter was written to the churches in the north of Galatia or the entire Galatian province. Paul visited north Galatia on his third missionary journey (Acts 18:23), and south Galatia on his first and second missionary journeys. Regardless, Paul founded the various churches in Galatia. He is now writing to respond to specific problems that had arisen in individual churches, primarily the issue of adding circumcision to the Gospel for the Gentile believers and generally, adding law or works of any kind to the Gospel.

Our verses are inserted midst Paul’s entreaty to the Galatians. Paul had set aside the legal restrictions of the law that forbade him as a Jew associating with Gentiles in order to share the Gospel with the Galatians (vs 12). He reminds them of their previous good relationship with an appeal for it to continue.

Then in verse 13 we learn that Paul had an illness that caused him to remain with the Galatians longer than he had planned. As a result, he preached the Gospel to them. Often an illness, a trial, or some other form of suffering turns our lives upside down. It alters our plans. We don’t know what Paul’s ailment was, but we know he didn’t waste it.

We don’t read that Paul complained about his illness or gave up. He didn’t become self-focused. Instead, he used this opportunity to share the Gospel with the Galatians. This doesn’t mean that we ignore our illness, trial, or suffering, but we do look for how God wants to use it for His glory. Remaining in Galatia may not have been Paul’s original plan, but he trusted God’s sovereignty and made the most of the opportunity God had laid before him. Paul’s additional time with the Galatians meant more time to teach and disciple them, to help them grow in their faith.

The second thing I noticed is in verse 14. Whatever ailment Paul had, it was a trial to the Galatians. I know that my health issues add a burden to my husband, but he lovingly cares for me and helps with things I am not able to do. Paul says the Galatians did not scorn or despise him, but received him as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus. The Gospel changed the Galatians and caused them to care for Paul even when it was a hardship for them.

Paul’s ailment did not hinder him from sharing the Gospel, but rather provided further opportunities. And the Gospel so transformed the Galatians that they received Paul in love despite the trial it brought to them. The Gospel motivates. The Gospel transforms.

Reflection

1. How do you view and respond to ailments, trials, or suffering in your life? Do you see them in light of God’s sovereignty and working good in your life to conform you to the image of Jesus? Do you use them as opportunities to share the Gospel, the hope that you have?

2. What is a current circumstance that you need to adjust your perspective? What ways can you use it for God’s glory? Be specific.

[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Ga 4:13–14.