Galatians 4:12

I beseech you. Or, “I beg of you.” Paul now turns from argument to entreaty.

Be as I am. Paul had once been a Jew, zealously devoted to the legal system as only a dyed-in-the-wool, bigoted Pharisee could be (Acts 26:5). But he had given up the legal system, once so dear to him, and had, for practical purposes, become a Gentile in order that he might win the Gentiles to Christ (1 Cor. 9:20-23; 10:32, 33). Why should the Gentile Galatians now adopt Judaism? If he had given it up for their sakes, could they not give it up for him?

I am as ye are. Where principle was not involved, Paul had conformed to Gentile customs. His manner of life among them had been exemplary.

Not injured me. Or, “not wronged me.” The form of the verb in Greek links this declaration with vs. 13-15 rather than directly with v. 12. The statement is a figure of speech affirming the excellent treatment the Galatians had accorded Paul upon the occasion of his first visit among them. They are not to misconstrue the tone of his letter (see chs. 1:6-9; 3:1-4; 4:10, 11; etc.) as reflecting a personal complaint against them. He had no grievance whatever about the way they had treated him, for the spirit they had manifested was most commendable (vs. 13-15). No doubt Paul also sought to rekindle their former spirit of devotion and readiness to follow his teaching. At first they had heeded his every suggestion; why not now also?