Galatians 4:12
12Brethren, I urge you to become like me, for I became like you. You have not injured me at all.
Truth to Learn
We need to be a living example of our faith so that, like Paul, we can say, “Be like me.”
Behind the Words
“Become” is translated from a form of “ginomai,” which means to come into being or to become. In this particular case it is used in the imperative mood implying a command.
The Greek word translated “I urge” is “deomai” which literally means to be lacking of things or to need. Idiomatically, it means to make a request of another for something you need. Hence, it is often translated as “I beg.” In the current verse it is used in conjunction with the command form of “ginomai;” therefore, the translation as “I urge” is very appropriate.
The word “injured” is translated from a form of the word “adikos” which is made up of “a” meaning not and a form of “dikeō” meaning just or righteous. Hence, “adikos” refers to an injustice or harm that has been done to someone.
Meaning Explained
Though brief, this verse nonetheless appears obscure. There are nearly as many interpretations of it as there are interpreters. These tend to break down into three basic interpretations.
· You and I should be alike. Think of yourselves as just like me and I will think of myself to be just like you.
· Imitate me in rejecting the Jewish rites because I, having rejected these rites, was just like you when I preached the gospel to you.
· Imitate my example – though I am a Jew by birth, I have no more need of the Jewish rites than you do.
This last interpretation makes the most sense. The basic question that Paul has been addressing is whether or not a Christian is required to follow the Jewish rites and customs. Clearly, Paul has said, “No, we are not required to do so.” Hence, the expression, “I urge you to become like me” means that Paul wants the Galatian Christians to free themselves from these enslaving rituals just as he has done. Though born a Jew, Paul has been released from the shackles of tradition and legal obedience.
Paul’s expression, “for I became like you,” is his way of saying that although he grew up under the bondage of legalism and customs, he has rejected them even to the point of becoming like a Gentile as the Galatians were.
The last part of this verse is also a bit obscure. It appears that Paul is telling the people in the Galatian churches that even though they seem to have rejected Paul’s former teaching in favor of what the false teachers have led them to believe, he does not consider it a personal affront. He says, “I do not take your rejection of my teaching as personal.”
Application
Each of us, as a Christian, has a message to deliver to the world: “Accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and you can know the forgiveness of your sins as I do.”
Do your actions and your attitude give them sufficient reason to want to be like you?
In God’s service, for His glory,
Copyright © 2007 Will Krause. All rights reserved.
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