For you have heard of my former conduct in Judaism, how furiously I used to persecute the church of God, and how I kept seeking to root it out;

only they kept hearing people say, "Our former persecutor is now preaching as good news the faith which once he tried to destroy,"

But at that former time, as you did not know the true God, you were slaves to gods that do not really exist,

but you knew I preached the gospel to you on my former [visit] in weakness of the flesh,

O my little children, of whom I travail again in birth until Christ be formed within you!

till Christ be formed in you, I should be glad to be present with you even now, and to change my voice; for I am in doubt about you.