"Where is the Blessing of Me Now?"Galatians 4:15-16
Where, then, is your blessing of me now? I can testify that, if you could have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me. Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?
Thoughts for Today:Many commentators consider Paul's choice of words, "you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me," to mean that his physical illness had to do with a severe eye condition. Perhaps they're right, but I think it's simply an illustration of how committed they once were to him. Much like someone today might say, "I'd give my right arm for you." The comment is more intended to communicate emotional commitment, support and attachment to the person, rather than something physically wrong with a body part.
Vine's Expository Dictionary lends a greater understanding of our passage today as it rhetorically asks: "The Galatian believers had counted themselves happy when they heard and received the Gospel, had they lost that opinion?" In other words, strict adherence to the Law had come into Galatia, and it appeared the joy had left. The Gospel was no longer a message of joyful celebration, but had now become one of strict rules and regulations.
In our passage today Paul is asking, "Where is the joy you used to have in our relationship and my message? At one time, you were so committed to me that you would have given me your own eyes. But now you treat me like an enemy -- it's you that's changed, not me!"
Questions to Ponder:Do you still find a blessing in your Christian relationships? Do you continue to seek out and find joy in being with brothers and sisters in Christ? Has something changed? Is it you?
Where, then, is your blessing of me now? I can testify that, if you could have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me. Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?
Thoughts for Today:Many commentators consider Paul's choice of words, "you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me," to mean that his physical illness had to do with a severe eye condition. Perhaps they're right, but I think it's simply an illustration of how committed they once were to him. Much like someone today might say, "I'd give my right arm for you." The comment is more intended to communicate emotional commitment, support and attachment to the person, rather than something physically wrong with a body part.
Vine's Expository Dictionary lends a greater understanding of our passage today as it rhetorically asks: "The Galatian believers had counted themselves happy when they heard and received the Gospel, had they lost that opinion?" In other words, strict adherence to the Law had come into Galatia, and it appeared the joy had left. The Gospel was no longer a message of joyful celebration, but had now become one of strict rules and regulations.
In our passage today Paul is asking, "Where is the joy you used to have in our relationship and my message? At one time, you were so committed to me that you would have given me your own eyes. But now you treat me like an enemy -- it's you that's changed, not me!"
Questions to Ponder:Do you still find a blessing in your Christian relationships? Do you continue to seek out and find joy in being with brothers and sisters in Christ? Has something changed? Is it you?
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