Paul traveled the Roman world, preaching to Jews and Gentiles, raising converts and launching churches. He targeted busy ports, met with the leading people of each city, and always kept good people at his side. Paul was strategic. But he actually started the church in Galatia by getting sick.
Paul reminded the Galatians of their chance encounter. As you know, it was because of an illness that I first preached the gospel to you, and even though my illness was a trial to you, you did not treat me with contempt or scorn. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus himself.
Paul may have contracted malaria (common in that part of the world), or was weak and still recovering from the physical beatings suffered earlier in his missionary journey. Paul dealt with bad eyesight, so maybe his eyes were inflamed and bothering him? Regardless, he paused his travels in Galatia, to the benefit of those folks who soon heard about Jesus.
In prison Paul preached to his jailers, leading many to faith in Christ. Here he preached to his caregivers, leaving behind an active and vibrant church.
I hate getting sick, and I hate watching well-made plans go awry. But it’s worth paying attention when you or I find ourselves in such a place. Because sometimes God messes with our strategies in order to push us in fresh, more fruitful directions.
Galatians 4 in Through the Bible in 2024
Photo by Kelly Sikkema
I could hardly agree more.