Galatians 4:12-20
4:12 I beg you, brothers and sisters,
become like me, because I have become like you. You have done me no wrong!
Personal Appeal of Paul
4:13 But you know it was because of a physical illness that I first proclaimed the gospel to you,
4:14 and though my physical condition put you to the test, you did not despise or reject me. Instead, you welcomed me as though I were an angel of God, as though I were Christ Jesus himself!
4:15 Where then is your sense of happiness now? For I testify about you that if it were possible, you would have pulled out your eyes and given them to me!
4:16 So then, have I become your enemy by telling you the truth?
4:17 They court you eagerly, but for no good purpose; they want to exclude you, so that you would seek them eagerly.
4:18 However, it is good to be sought eagerly for a good purpose at all times, and not only when I am present with you.
4:19 My children – I am again undergoing birth pains until Christ is formed in you!
4:20 I wish I could be with you now and change my tone of voice, because I am perplexed about you.