8 However then, when ye did not know God, ye did service unto those who by nature are not gods. 9 But now, having known God, or rather being known of God, how do ye turn again to the weak and beggarly elements, in which ye desire again to be in slavery? 10 Ye observe days and months and times and years. 11 I am afraid for you, lest I have bestowed labour upon you in vain.
12 Brethren, I beseech you, be as I am; for I am as ye are; ye have not injured me at all. 13 Ye know how through weakness of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first. 14 And my affliction which was in my flesh ye did not despise, nor reject but ye received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. 15 Where is then the blessedness ye spoke of? for I bear you record that if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes and have given them to me. 16 Am I, therefore, become your enemy because I tell you the truth? 17 They are zealous after you, but not for good; they would exclude you from us, that ye might be zealous after them. 18 It is good to be always zealous to do good, and not only when I am present with you. 19 My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ is formed in you, 20 I desire to be present with you now and to change my voice, for I stand in doubt of you.