Galatians 4:15-16 Correct Those Who Have Strayed from the Truth, Reminding Them of Their Former Walk if Possible

Galatians 4:15-16 Where then is that sense of blessing you had? For I bear you witness that, if possible, you would have plucked out your eyes and given them to me. So have I become your enemy by telling you the truth?

Paul is bearing witness to the Galatians that their temperament has changed. Though they used to be a blessing to him, helping him in every way that they could, they now treat him as though he is their enemy. All that Paul did was told them the truth. They have lost their love for him because they have been walking in the darkness (seeking to be justified by the Law). They have ceased from acting like disciples of Christ (cf. John 13:35). By seeking to live by the Law they have become dried-up spiritually. So Paul must use this as evidence against them in hopes that they will see the error of their way and turn back to the “straight and narrow” path; before they prove that they were merely seed scattered on the rocky places or among the thorns (Matthew 13:5-7). In Christ they were loving, but now they have seemingly lost that sense of love.

Let us digress for a moment and consider the Galatians. They were so loving that, if necessary, they would have given their own eyes to Paul. Now, some take this to mean that Paul had poor eyesight. That is going far beyond what the text allows. But what this does mean is that the Galatians would have given up that which was most precious to them if they could have, if Paul had such a need. This is great love. In the first century the blind were poor beggars; unable to do the most menial tasks (and blind people today continue to have trouble getting around and cannot do many everyday tasks that you and I take for granted (like reading this weblog for instance)).

However, they now were in a state where they could prove that they were never good soil to begin with (Matthew 13:8). They sprouted quickly but were in danger of spiritual death. They had been spiritually “enlightened” and had “tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come” (a.k.a. the Holy Spirit) (Hebrews 6:4-5). If they were to fall away, back into slavery to the Law, they could not possibly return to faith in Christ (Hebrews 6:6). They were in danger of trampling under foot the Son of God and regarding His sacrifice as unclean—insulting the Spirit of grace (Hebrews 10:29-30). They were not abiding in Christ and trusting in Him alone, and so were in danger of being cut from Him, with the only expectation being judgment (John 15:1-10, cf. Hebrews 10:26-27)Paul had to warn them and seek to persuade them to return, lest it be too late.

Dearly beloved brothers and sisters; consider this situation and Paul’s counsel wisely. If you yourself and not abiding in Christ (in fellowship with a local Church, living in obedience to Christ, spending time with God and Christ in prayer and meditation upon the Word, fulfilling the great commission, etc), do not continue in your ways. Repent and return to Christ. Those who belong to Christ will endure to the end and overcome. Those who do not persevere will finally prove that they never were Christ’s at all. Abide in Christ.

Also, if you see others who claim Christ who are not abiding, confront them. This is a serious issue. If they do not abide they will be cut off from Christ. Here is the exhortation of James: “My brethren, if any among you strays from the truth and one turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins” (James 5:19-20). Seek lovingly to turn your straying brother/sister back to Christ, lest it become too late. Though they may treat you with contempt, as Paul was treated by the Galatians, love them enough to reprove them with the Word of God (cf. 2 Timothy 3:16-17).