Galatians 4:11 Commentary and Bible Study

This is a disturbing thing for Paul to say, and is intended to shake them in their complacency. If Paul was afraid for them, how much more should they be afraid for themselves? It ought to have deeply troubled them that the one who had been used to bring them to Christ should now question the reality of their conversion. Paul does not say this just for effect. He was the apostle of God for their comfort, strengthening and encouragement, but now he finds himself standing in grave doubt about their position as believers. He is very strong here – ‘lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain’. Lest, after all my missionary efforts, my preaching to you, my prayers to God for you, my pleading for your souls, my suffering on your behalf at the hands of the Jews; that you should after all my hopes for you prove not to be converted. He would not speak this way of every fluctuation that takes place in the early Christian life, but doctrinal error is very serious for it calls into question the whole foundation of faith. He had no doubt seen others fall away from the faith – those who had once seemed to be converts and who had turned out not to be. Although he knows that every true convert is safe in Christ, he cannot see into the Galatians hearts and infallibly say whether they have trusted in Christ or not, even as an apostle. He is prepared to talk of labouring in vain, even though he says it to his own sorrow and disappointment. But at the same time he has hope for them. He has seen evidence of life in them and he knows that God does indeed use warnings such these to deliver those who are on the brink of turning away from the truth. His trust is in the Lord that he will bring them through to a better understanding (Galatians 5:10).