Legalism Destroys Gospel Joy

Paul continues a most personal appeal to the Galatians against the pollution of the true Gospel by works religion, as he reminds them of his personal bodily infirmities through which he witnessed to them the truth of salvation.

Many speculate of what Paul speaks in describing how he preached to them in infirmity of the flesh. Some think he was specially ill and kept in Galatia longer than he had intended. Others think Paul is referring to a poor presentation, a poor ability to speak, or perhaps some hideous disfigurement that made him appear undesireable.

Whatever was the case, Paul's point was that though he preached the Gospel to them through such travail, nevertheless they received the Gospel with joy from him and treated him like an angel from God or even like Christ Himself!

The Galatians had every practical and carnal reason to reject Paul's ministry due to his pathetic appearance before them - yet they did not! This was surely a miraculous working of the Holy Ghost wrought in their hearts and minds to believe the Gospel! It proved that Gospel power doesn't depend on eloquence or a slick presentation.

Though he was vile in person, yet to them he was beautiful because of the good news he brought to them! Paul abases himself anew before them as he reminds them of how it was they received him and the Gospel in spite of his infirmities.

At the time, they insisted how blessed they were, having received true salvation out of darkness. But now, the legalists have come in and stolen their blessedness.

There is no blessedness in legalism - only judgment and trouble and desperation. Legalism always takes away our joy in Christ and our peace with God.