Galatians 4:16

16 Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?

Galatians 4:16 Meaning and Commentary

Galatians 4:16

Am I therefore become your enemy
Not that he was an enemy to them, he had the same cordial affection for them as ever; he had their true interest at heart, and was diligently pursuing it; but they, through the insinuations of the false teachers, had entertained an ill opinion of him, and an aversion to him, and treated him as if he had been an enemy to them, and as if they had a real hatred of him: and that for no other reason, as he observes, but

because I tell you the truth;
the Gospel so called, because it comes from the God of truth, is concerned with Christ, who is truth itself, and is dictated, revealed, and blessed by the Spirit of truth; and is opposed unto, and is distinct from the law, which is only an image and shadow, and not truth itself: it chiefly respects the great truths of salvation alone by Christ, and justification by his righteousness; and may also regard what he had said concerning the abrogation of the law, blaming them for the observance of it, and calling its institutions weak and beggarly elements; all which he told or spoke publicly, plainly, honestly, fully, and faithfully, boldly, constantly, and with all assurance, consistently, and in pure love to their souls; and yet it brought on him their anger and resentment. Telling the truth in such a manner often brings many enemies to the ministers of Christ; not only the men of the world, profane sinners, but professors of religion, and sometimes such who once loved and admired them.

Galatians 4:16 In-Context

14 and though my physical condition was a trial for you, you did not despise or reject me. On the contrary, you received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus [Himself].

15 What happened to this blessedness of yours? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me.

16 Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?

17 They are enthusiastic about you, but not for any good. Instead, they want to isolate you so you will be enthusiastic about them.

18 Now it is always good to be enthusiastic about good-and not just when I am with you.