Click or tap book name
Use <control> drag to
scroll
Bible Notes - Tabernacle Commentaries
About
Links
Home
"
Navigator
Galatians 4:17
Comments
Without needing or wanting to name them, Paul refers to the Judaizers who have already been described as ‘some that trouble you’, as those who ‘want to pervert the gospel of Christ’, and who have been in mind throughout this letter. Even after many verses when they have not been mentioned, it is obvious who he means. The Judaizers are zealous for the Galatians, in the sense that they desire to win them over to their way of thinking. The object of their zeal is the affections of the Galatian believers, but this cannot be done without turning them against the gospel and against the apostle Paul. Paul was rightly stirred to jealousy himself in this battle for minds and hearts. He could see the terrible harm that would result, like a parent who sees his child growing up and drawn into the company of those who are worthless. He sees through this easily himself, but he knows his child is vulnerable because less on his guard, and that once trust in the parents contrary advice has been lost, it will be very hard to win back again. He could see the trickery and flattery with which the Galatians were being enticed. The false apostles feigned love for the Galatians and concern for them, and this filled Paul with alarm. They sowed suspicion and mistrust which are the most effective means of attacking the bond of love between parties devoted to each other. Would the Galatians be persuaded to return to the truth, or would they become even more deeply ensnared in error? Just now they were teetering on the brink. Paul could not continue indefinitely to beckon them back to the truth if they went on ignoring him. He would have to abandon them eventually, and leave them for the Lord to deal with, ever confident however that the Lord would lose none of his own.
Application
There are times when Satan comes at us in fury and hostility and it is obvious that he aims to crush us. He approaches us with malice and tries to terrify us with it. But at other times he employs deceit and hides his true intent under his coat. Do we have the wisdom to tell who are our enemies are who are our friends?
It is easier to reject the approach of a hostile person than of someone who feigns kindness. The Galatians needed to recognise the false affections of the Judaizers and to reject their solicitations. If they did so, they would soon see their enemies’ true character, since they would break out in fury at having their purposes thwarted, for it was really concealed pride that made them try to spoil the apostle’s work.
Questions
Outline
Purpose
Introduction