What is the context?
Paul’s appeal becomes personal. He asks the Galatians to become like him, reminding them that he became like them. This follows his defense of living through faith in Christ and his concern about their desire to come under the law.
He recalls the illness that led to his first preaching among them. Although his condition was a trial to them, they received him with extraordinary welcome. He remembers their willingness, if possible, to give him their own eyes. The passage describes both illness and affection, but it never names the illness.
Now he asks whether telling them the truth has made him their enemy. Other people are eagerly pursuing them, but Paul says their purpose is to isolate the Galatians so that their loyalty will turn toward those teachers.
Paul does not condemn enthusiasm itself. He welcomes zeal directed toward a good purpose, whether he is present or absent. The question is what that eagerness is producing.
He calls them his children and compares his concern to the pains of childbirth. What he longs for is Christ being formed in them. His wish to be present and change his tone reveals how troubled he is about their condition.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Christians commonly read this as a deeply personal appeal from a teacher concerned for people he loves. Wesley’s notes on verses 12–20 and the USCCB notes on verses 12–20 both connect the memories of their first welcome with Paul’s distress over the influence now pulling them away. The goal stated in verse 19 is their growth in Christ.
Where does this fit in God's plan?
Romans 8:29 describes God’s purpose as His people being conformed to the image of His Son, who is the firstborn among many brothers. That gives a wider setting for Paul’s desire to see Christ formed in the Galatians.
The aim of his care reaches beyond gaining a hearing or restoring personal loyalty. Their lives are to take the shape of the Son in whose family they belong. Paul’s labor serves that larger purpose.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.