Galatians 4:4-17
English Standard Version
Chapter 4
4But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. 6And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" 7So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.
8Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to those that by nature are not gods.
9But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more?
10You observe days and months and seasons and years!
11I am afraid I may have labored over you in vain.
12Brothers, I entreat you, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You did me no wrong.
13You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first,
14and 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.
15What then has become of your blessedness? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have gouged out your eyes and given them to me.
16Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth?
17They make much of you, but for no good purpose. They want to shut you out, that you may make much of them.
