Galatians 4:13-20 - Paul's Personal Appeal
13 Howbeit ye know that, by reason of a weakness of the flesh, I myself announced the glad-message unto you, formerly; 14 And, your trial, in my flesh, ye despised not, neither spat ye in disgust , but, as a messenger of God, ye welcomed me - as Christ Jesus.
15 Where, then, is the happiness ye accounted yours? For I bear you witness - that, if possible, your eyes, ye would have dug out, and given unto me. 16 So then, your enemy, have I become, by dealing truthfully with you? 17 They shew a zeal for you, not honourably, but wish, to shut you out, in order that ye may be zealous for, them. 18 Howbeit it is, honourable, to show zeal in what is honourable at all times, and not only when I am present with you; - 19 My dear children! for whom I, again, am in birth-pains, until Christ be formed within you; - 20 I could wish, however, to be present with you, even now, and to change my voice, - because I am perplexed regarding you.