Galatians 4:13-20 - Paul's Personal Appeal

¹³ You know that it was because I was ill that I brought you the gospel the first time. ¹⁴ Even though my condition put you to the test, you did not despise or reject me. On the contrary, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, or as if I were the Messiah Jesus.

¹⁵ What, then, happened to your positive attitude? For I testify that if it had been possible, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me. ¹⁶ So have I now become your enemy for telling you the truth? ¹⁷ These people who have been instructing you are devoted to you, but not in a good way. They want you to avoid me so that you will be devoted to them. ¹⁸ (Now it is always good to be devoted to a good cause, even when I am not with you.) ¹⁹ My children, I am suffering birth pains for you again until the Messiah is formed in you. ²⁰ Indeed, I wish I were with you right now so that I could change the tone of my voice, because I am completely baffled by you!