8. But at that time, when you did not know God, you served those who by nature are not gods at all.
9. But now you have come to know God—or rather you have come to be known by God. So how can you turn back again to those weak and worthless principles? Do you want to be enslaved to them all over again?
10. You observe days and months and seasons and years.
11. I fear for you, that perhaps I have labored over you in vain!
12. I plead with you, brothers and sisters, become like me, for I became like you. You have done me no wrong—
13. you know it was because of a physical ailment that I proclaimed the Good News to you the first time;
14. and though my physical condition was a trial to you, you did not hate or reject me. No, you welcomed me as a messenger of God—or even as Messiah Yeshua.
15. So where is your sense of joy? For I testify that you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me, if possible.
16. So have I become your enemy by telling you the truth?!
17. Others zealously court you—not in a good way, but they wish to shut you out so that you will court them.
18. To be courted is good, but let it always be in a good way—and not just when I am there with you.
19. My dear children! Again I suffer labor pains until Messiah is formed in you.
20. I wish I could be with you now and change my tone, for I don’t know what to make of you.
21. Tell me, you who want to be under Torah, don’t you understand the Torah?
22. For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and one by the free woman.