A Physical Infirmity

Galatians 4:12-16

12 Brethren, I urge you to become like me, for I became like you. You have not injured me at all. 13 You know that because of physical infirmity I preached the gospel to you at the first. 14 And my trial which was in my flesh you did not despise or reject, but you received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. 15 What then was the blessing you enjoyed? For I bear you witness that, if possible, you would have plucked out your own eyes and given them to me. 16 Have I therefore become your enemy because I tell you the truth?

Paul had just expressed concern for the salvation of the Galatians because they chose to relate to God through the law rather than through grace. He even wondered if his preaching to them had been in vain. Yet, he trusted they were truly saved but had only been temporarily led astray by false teachers, and so he calls them brethren. He reminded them that he used to be just as they were—sold out to obeying the law. However, once he received God’s grace he became as they had been: free from the restrictions of the law. Paul wanted them to know his ego was not damaged by them turning from what he taught them. On the contrary, he reminds them of the humble circumstances under which he first preached to them. He suffered from a physical infirmity and was forced to stop there. In spite of his ailment, they received him with open arms as if he were Christ Himself. They loved Paul, cared for him, and were willing to make great sacrifices for him. Now, the false teachers have caused them to turn on Paul prompting him to ask if he had become their enemies simply because he told them the truth.

It seems that Paul did not initially plan on spending so much time in Galatia, but out of necessity he did. Many people conclude Paul’s infirmity was a vision problem. Three facts lend support to that theory, although we can’t be certain. First, we know Paul was stoned prior to arriving in Galatia. The blows to the head with large stones could have easily caused damage to his eyesight. Second, he says they would have plucked their eyes out and given them to him if possible. Third, he concludes this letter by saying he has written it with his own hand as opposed to dictating it and having a scribe write it. He points to the fact that he had to use such large letters, presumably because he couldn’t see smaller writing. Whatever physical injury or ailment Paul had, he didn’t let it stop him from preaching the gospel. Even his change of plans didn’t stop him from preaching Jesus. You and I might have thought we should take time to rest and recuperate and used that as an excuse not to share the gospel. Paul’s infirmity needed treatment, but he didn’t stop preaching the gospel. Perhaps the Lord allowed Paul to suffer in this way so that he would spend more time in this region doing ministry. It is important not to allow your schedule to cause you to miss what God wants to do. Paul could have said, “Treat me and let me get on my way.” Instead, he remained there and taught them about Jesus. Be sensitive to the Lord’s leading. He sometimes guides you through your circumstances so that you have an opportunity to minister to those whom you might normally pass by. Keep that in mind when you are delayed waiting in line at a store, your plans suddenly get canceled, or even when you become ill. Ask the Lord, with whom He wants you to share the gospel, or whom you can encourage with His word. You may realize that God just wanted to use you in a special way with someone in need, and that is why He allowed you to suffer from a physical infirmity.