Galatians 4:13 – “As you know, it was because of an illness that I first preached the gospel to you,”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

In this verse, Paul is reminding the Galatians about the circumstances that first brought him to them. He states that it was because of an illness that he initially preached the gospel to them. This suggests that Paul had not originally planned to stop in Galatia but was forced to do so due to his health condition.

Despite his physical weakness, Paul used the opportunity to preach the gospel to the Galatians. Instead of letting his suffering stop him, he saw it as an open door for God’s work.

This verse highlights a key theme in Paul’s ministry—he did not let difficulties stop him from spreading the gospel. His physical suffering became the very reason the Galatians heard the good news of Jesus Christ.

Historical Context

Paul’s time in Galatia happened during his first missionary journey (Acts 13-14). This region included cities like Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe. During this time, Paul faced severe challenges, including:

• Persecution and opposition – He was run out of multiple towns for preaching the gospel.
• A near-death experience – In Lystra, he was stoned and left for dead (Acts 14:19).
• Physical illness or weakness – Many scholars believe Paul suffered from a chronic illness, possibly eye problems (Galatians 4:15) or another recurring sickness.

Though we don’t know the exact nature of his illness, it was serious enough to change his plans and lead him to preach in Galatia. This shows that God can use even suffering to advance His purposes.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches several key spiritual truths:

1. God uses weaknesses for His purposes.
   • Paul’s illness became an opportunity for the gospel to spread (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).
2. Suffering does not stop God’s work.
   • Even in sickness, Paul continued to preach, showing that God’s power works through human weakness.
3. God directs our steps—even through hardships.
   • Paul may not have planned to go to Galatia, but God used his sickness to lead him there (Proverbs 16:9).
4. Ministry is not about comfort but faithfulness.
   • Paul didn’t let hardship stop him from obeying God’s calling (2 Timothy 4:7).

Paul’s experience shows that God uses everything—even suffering—to accomplish His purposes.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s tone in this verse is personal and reflective. He is reminding the Galatians of their shared history, using a first-hand account to appeal to their emotions.

• “As you know” – Paul is referring to a well-known fact among the Galatians, making this a personal connection.
• “Because of an illness” – This shows that Paul was not in control of his circumstances, but he saw God’s hand in them.
• “That I first preached the gospel to you” – This suggests that their entire spiritual transformation happened because of what seemed like a negative event—Paul’s sickness.

Paul’s storytelling method makes his message more relatable and personal.

Biblical Cross-References

• 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 – “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
• Romans 8:28 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
• Acts 14:19-20 – The account of Paul being stoned in Lystra, a city in Galatia, and getting up to continue preaching.
• Proverbs 16:9 – “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse is a powerful reminder that God can use even our struggles for His glory.

• Your struggles can be a platform for the gospel.
  • Paul’s illness didn’t stop him—it became the reason people heard about Jesus.
• God’s plan is bigger than our setbacks.
  • What seems like an interruption might actually be divine redirection.
• We don’t have to be “strong” to serve God.
  • God uses weak and broken people to accomplish His will (1 Corinthians 1:27).
• Faithfulness matters more than comfort.
  • Even when we face difficulties, our mission is to keep sharing Christ.

Christians today can take comfort in knowing that even hardships can have purpose in God’s plan.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

This verse reveals God’s love in a surprising way:

• God allows trials for greater purposes.
  • Paul’s sickness wasn’t just about suffering—it was about bringing salvation to others.
• God’s love works through human weakness.
  • He doesn’t demand perfection; He works through our limitations.
• God guides our steps—even when life feels out of control.
  • Paul didn’t plan to be sick, but God used it to direct him to the right people at the right time.

God’s love is not just about removing struggles—sometimes, it’s about redeeming them for something greater.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Paul’s experience mirrors Jesus’ life in several ways:

• Jesus also suffered for the sake of others.
  • Just as Paul’s illness led to people hearing the gospel, Jesus’ suffering led to salvation for the world (Isaiah 53:5).
• Jesus showed that weakness is not a failure.
  • The cross looked like defeat, but it was actually the greatest victory (1 Corinthians 1:18).
• Jesus calls His followers to be faithful even in hardship.
  • Like Paul, believers are called to trust God and continue His work, no matter what.

Jesus’ life and Paul’s ministry both show that God’s greatest work is often done through suffering.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Have you ever faced an unexpected hardship that later turned out to be part of God’s plan?
2. How does Paul’s attitude toward his illness challenge the way you view struggles?
3. Do you tend to see difficulties as obstacles or as opportunities for God to work?
4. In what ways can you use your challenges to share the gospel with others?
5. How does knowing that God uses weakness encourage you in your own faith journey?