Galatians 4:13

Modern

You know that it was because of an illness that I first preached the gospel to you.

Traditional

Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first.

Literal

Now you know that in weakness of the flesh I preached the gospel to you the first time.

Latin

Scitis autem quia per infirmitatem carnis evangelizavi vobis jampridem: et tentationem vestram in carne mea

Greek

English

You know that it was because of an illness that I first preached the gospel to you.

because of an illness: Paul might have had a long-term health issue, but we do not know what it was (see 2 Corinthians 12:7). Paul's condition was serious and seemed to cause problems or even upset the new church in Galatia. People often saw physical problems as a sign of God's judgment (see John 9:1 –2; Acts 28:4). The Galatians looked beyond Paul's physical state and accepted him as God's messenger (literally angel; Greek angelos).
as if I were Christ Jesus Himself: See Luke 10:16.

After explaining what the Bible teaches, Paul takes a more personal approach. He reminds the Galatians of their close relationship with him.

Theme notes and profiles

1 Corinthians 2:3
I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling.
2 Corinthians 12:7–10
…or because of these surpassingly great revelations. So to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.
2 Corinthians 11:30
If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.
2 Corinthians 10:10
For some say, “His letters are weighty and forceful, but his physical presence is unimpressive, and his speaking is of no account.”
2 Corinthians 13:4
For He was indeed crucified in weakness, yet He lives by God’s power. For we are also weak in Him, yet by God’s power we will live with Him concerning you.
Galatians 1:6
I am amazed how quickly you are deserting the One who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—
2 Corinthians 11:6
Although I am not a polished speaker, I am certainly not lacking in knowledge. We have made this clear to you in every way possible.
Acts 16:6
After the Holy Spirit had prevented them from speaking the word in the province of Asia, they traveled through the region of Phrygia and Galatia.