8 But at that previous time, when you had not come to be acquainted with and understand and know the true God, you [Gentiles] were in bondage to gods who by their very nature could not be gods at all [gods that really did not exist]. 9 Now, however, that you have come to be acquainted with and understand and know [the true] God, or rather to be understood and known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and beggarly and worthless elementary things [ 1 of all religions before Christ came], whose slaves you once more want to become? 10 You observe [particular] days and months and seasons and years! 11 I am alarmed [about you], lest I have labored among and over you to no purpose and in vain.
12 Brethren, I beg of you, become as I am [free from the bondage of Jewish ritualism and ordinances], for I also have become as you are [ 2 a Gentile]. You did me no wrong [ 2 in the days when I first came to you; do not do it now]. 13 On the contrary, you know that it was on account of a bodily ailment that [I remained and] preached the Gospel to you the first time. 14 And [yet] although my physical condition was [such] a trial to you, you did not regard it with contempt, or scorn and loathe and reject me; but you received me as an angel of God, [even] as Christ Jesus [Himself]! 15 What has become of that blessed enjoyment and satisfaction and self-congratulation that once was yours [in what I taught you and in your regard for me]? For I bear you witness that you would have torn out your own eyes and have given them to me [to replace mine], if that were possible. 16 Have I then become your enemy by telling the truth to you and dealing sincerely with you? 17 These men [the Judaizing teachers] are zealously trying to dazzle you [paying court to you, making much of you], but their purpose is not honorable or worthy or for any good. What they want to do is to isolate you [from us who oppose them], so that they may win you over to their side and get you to court their favor. 18 It is always a fine thing [of course] to be zealously sought after [as you are, provided that it is] for a good purpose and done 4 by reason of purity of heart and life, and not just when I am present with you! 19 My little children, for whom I am again suffering birth pangs until Christ is completely and permanently formed (molded) within you, 20 Would that I were with you now and could coax you vocally, for I am fearful and perplexed about you!