Galatians 4:16

Your enemy. Paul was telling them the truth now no less than upon that former occasion (cf. ch. 1:8, 9). He has not changed; his gospel has not changed. Why should their attitude toward him have changed? Now he seeks to set them free from bondage to Judaism, as formerly he had liberated them from bondage to heathenism (see on ch. 4:9). Paul was actually their best friend, willing even to risk the loss of their friendship in the attempt to rescue them from “the weak and beggarly elements” of Judaism (v. 9). “Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful” (Prov. 27:6).

Paul’s appeal to the Galatians apparently had a beneficial effect (cf. AA 388). The fact that the Galatians preserved his letter testifies to the fact that they responded to his appeal and treasured it as the installment of their salvation. This fact suggests their appreciation for his interest in them and their acceptance of the truth he again brought to their minds.