18 It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always, not just when I am with you.
18 But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you.
18 It is always good to be made much of for a good purpose, and not only when I am present with you,
18 It is a good thing to be ardent in doing good, but not just when I am in your presence. Can't you continue the same concern for both my person and my message when I am away from you that you had when I was with you?
18 But it is good to be zealous in a good thing always, and not only when I am present with you.
18 If someone is eager to do good things for you, that's all right; but let them do it all the time, not just when I'm with you.
20 how I wish I could be with you now and change my tone, because I am perplexed about you!
20 I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you.
20 I wish I could be present with you now and change my tone, for I am perplexed about you.
20 Oh, I keep wishing that I was with you. Then I wouldn't be reduced to this blunt, letter-writing language out of sheer frustration.
20 I would like to be present with you now and to change my tone; for I have doubts about you.
20 I wish I were with you right now so I could change my tone. But at this distance I don't know how else to help you.
(Read Galatians 4:19-20)
The Galatians were ready to account the apostle their enemy, but he assures them he was their friend; he had the feelings of a parent toward them. He was in doubt as to their state, and was anxious to know the result of their present delusions. Nothing is so sure a proof that a sinner has passed into a state of justification, as Christ being formed in him by the renewal of the Holy Spirit; but this cannot be hoped for, while men depend on the law for acceptance with God.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Galatians 4:18
Commentary on Galatians 4:12-18
(Read Galatians 4:12-18)
The apostle desires that they would be of one mind with him respecting the law of Moses, as well as united with him in love. In reproving others, we should take care to convince them that our reproofs are from sincere regard to the honour of God and religion and their welfare. The apostle reminds the Galatians of the difficulty under which he laboured when he first came among them. But he notices, that he was a welcome messenger to them. Yet how very uncertain are the favour and respect of men! Let us labour to be accepted of God. You once thought yourselves happy in receiving the gospel; have you now reason to think otherwise? Christians must not forbear speaking the truth, for fear of offending others. The false teachers who drew the Galatians from the truth of the gospel were designing men. They pretended affection, but they were not sincere and upright. An excellent rule is given. It is good to be zealous always in a good thing; not for a time only, or now and then, but always. Happy would it be for the church of Christ, if this zeal was better maintained.