Galatians 4:14
“That which was a temptation to you in my flesh, you didn’t despise nor reject; but you received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus.”
What does Galatians 4:14 mean?
Paul is reminding the Galatians of how they treated him when he first came to them, likely referring to an illness or physical weakness that could have made them dismiss him. Instead of looking down on him or turning away, they welcomed him with the same honor they would show to a messenger from God himself, even treating him as they would treat Christ. This speaks to the generosity of spirit Paul saw in them back then, and it makes what comes next in his letter (where he expresses disappointment in how they've changed) all the more poignant. He's essentially saying: you were once people of genuine kindness and spiritual openness, and that's the people I need you to be again.