You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Galatians 4:13
What does Galatians 4:13 mean?
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Galatians 4:13
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Paul wasn't just sharing a difficult memory; he was reminding the Galatians that their initial acceptance of the gospel happened under unfavorable circumstances, essentially highlighting their own deep, genuine affection for him and the message at the very start. This wasn't a planned evangelistic trip, but a stay forced by illness, making their warm reception all the more significant.
You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is reminding the Galatians of their initial warm reception of him when he first preached the gospel, even though he was suffering from some kind of physical ailment. He emphasizes that this sickness, rather than being a deterrent, made their embrace of him and his message even more remarkable and touching. This sets the stage for him to contrast their past faithfulness with their current drifting towards legalism.
Paul didn't set out to preach in Galatia. His arrival was due to something entirely unexpected, turning a detour into a divine appointment.
The Apostle Paul's ministry wasn't always a meticulously planned campaign. In Galatians 4:13, he reveals that his initial preaching to the Galatians happened because of a physical ailment – 'infirmity of the flesh.' This wasn't part of his itinerary; rather, sickness forced him to stop and minister there. This highlights how God can use unplanned circumstances and even our weaknesses to fulfill His purposes. It wasn't that the sickness caused him to preach, but it was the reason he was there when he preached. This unexpected stop became the foundation for the Galatian church.
Imagine Paul, unwell, arriving in Galatia. His condition might have seemed like a disadvantage, yet the Galatians welcomed him with open arms.
The fact that Paul preached the gospel while suffering from 'infirmity of the flesh' makes the Galatians' reception of his message even more remarkable. The commentaries suggest that his ailment could have made him appear less impressive, perhaps even repulsive. Yet, they didn't dismiss him. Instead, they welcomed him warmly. This wasn't just about politeness; it was a testament to their genuine love for the truth and for Paul as God's messenger, despite his physical challenges. It shows that the power of the gospel message and the authenticity of the messenger can overcome outward appearances.
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euangelizomai · Greek Verb
The good news regarding the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, which provides salvation to all who believe. It is the central message of Christianity, emphasizing justification by grace through faith apart from the works of the law.
Paul reminds the Galatians of their warm reception of him, even when he was suffering from a physical ailment, to highlight their initial commitment to the gospel and contrast it with their current wavering.
c. AD 48-50— this verse
Paul's First Visit to Galatia
The Apostle Paul, likely while on his first missionary journey, travels through the region of Galatia. He suffers from a bodily ailment but still preaches the gospel, establishing churches there.
c. AD 53-57
Paul's Second Visit to Galatia
During his third missionary journey, Paul revisits the churches in Galatia. This visit appears to be less joyful than the first, as the churches have begun to be influenced by false teachers.
c. AD 53-57
Writing of Galatians
Paul writes the Epistle to the Galatians, likely from Corinth or Ephesus. He addresses the growing problem of Judaizers who are teaching that believers must follow the Law of Moses to be truly saved.
This passage speaks of a 'thorn in the flesh' given to Paul, a weakness that he asked God to remove. It's highly probable this is the same physical ailment mentioned in Galatians 4:13, highlighting Paul's persistent ministry despite bodily suffering.
1 Corinthians 2:3Paul describes his initial ministry in Corinth as being 'in weakness and in fear and in much trembling.' This echoes the theme of preaching the gospel while dealing with physical or emotional struggles, similar to his experience in Galatia.
Acts 16:6This verse mentions Paul traveling through the region of Phrygia and Galatia. While it doesn't specify his illness, it places him in the geographical area at the time he likely first preached there, aligning with the historical context of Galatians 4:13.
Philippians 2:26Paul writes about Epaphroditus, who was 'facing death for the work of Christ, risking his life to supply what was lacking in your service to me.' This shows how the early church recognized and valued those who served even when suffering physically, mirroring the Galatians' acceptance of Paul despite his ailment.
cambridgeGalatians 4:13: "Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first."
13 . through infirmity of the flesh ] Rather, as R.V. ‘because of an infirmity of the flesh’, owing to bodily sickness. What was this infirmity? Most commentators identify it with the ‘thorn in the flesh’, 2 Corinthians 12:7 . Bp Lightfoot (p. 169 foll.) enumerates in chronological order the different conjectures which have been put forward in early and more modern times. They are (1) some…
vincentGalatians 4:13: "Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first."
Ye know (οἴδατε δὲ)The A.V. omits δὲ which is wanting in some Mss. Δὲ not oppositional as commonly explained: "Ye did not injure me, but on the contrary ye know, etc."; but introducing an explanation of ye did not injure me by reference to the fact that they might easily have been moved to do him wrong by the unfavorable circumstances under which he first preached the gospel to them (t…
Paul wasn't just sharing a difficult memory; he was reminding the Galatians that their initial acceptance of the gospel happened under unfavorable circumstances, essentially highlighting their own deep, genuine affection for him and the message at the very start. This wasn't a planned evangelistic trip, but a stay forced by illness, making their warm reception all the more significant.
Paul is reminding the Galatians of their initial warm reception of him when he first preached the gospel, even though he was suffering from some kind of physical ailment. He emphasizes that this sickness, rather than being a deterrent, made their embrace of him and his message even more remarkable and touching. This sets the stage for him to contrast their past faithfulness with their current drifting towards legalism.
Paul is reminding the Galatians of their initial warm reception of him when he first preached the gospel, even though he was suffering from some kind of physical ailment. He emphasizes that this sickness, rather than being a deterrent, made their embrace of him and his message even more remarkable and touching. This sets the stage for him to contrast their past faithfulness with their current drifting towards legalism.
"You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first," — Paul wasn't just sharing a difficult memory; he was reminding the Galatians that their initial acceptance of the gospel happened under unfavorable circumstances, essentially highlighting their own de…
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Last reviewed October 2026