Galatians 4:19

My little children. This affectionate form of address, common with John, does not appear elsewhere in Paul’s writings. It not only expresses Paul’s tenderness of feeling toward them but also implies their spiritual immaturity. Inasmuch as Paul regards all who have received the gospel from him as his spiritual children, this expression can hardly be considered a rebuke on his part, as some commentators think. It may simply be a reminder of their indebtedness to him. As their spiritual father, it was only right and proper that he should manifest concern for their welfare. He expresses this same concern for the Corinthians and speaks of himself as their father (see 1 Cor. 4:15).

I travail in birth again. To the Corinthians Paul had written, “I have begotten you through the gospel” (see 1 Cor. 4:15). In bringing the Galatians to Christ he had endured, as it were, the pangs of childbirth. Now that they are giving up their faith, he must go through this bitter experience all over again.

Until Christ be formed. Paul will persist in his efforts until Christ again reigns in their hearts by faith (see on ch. 2:20). The figure of birth seems still to be in the apostle’s mind. Jesus spoke of the new birth experience to Nicodemus (John 3:3), and Paul speaks of Christ’s being formed within those who accept Him (see Col. 1:27). When Christ dwells within, He lives out His own perfect life through the life of the Christian (see on Rom. 8:3, 4; Gal. 2:20). The Christian’s mind is as the mind of Christ (Phil. 2:5), and the love of Christ controls him (2 Cor. 5:14). This process continues until the Christian reaches the full “stature” of Christ (Eph. 4:13).