Become as I am

Paul appeals to the Galatians to “become as I, because I also as you” (4:12). In what respect are they to become like Paul? In what respect did Paul become as they?

Paul immediately follows with: “you know that through a weakness of flesh I preached to you at first” (4:13). Given the thick connotations of “flesh,” this is perhaps an explanation of verse 12. Paul preached in weakness of flesh, becoming what the Galatians were - that is, weak in the flesh. That is, being Gentiles the Galatians did not have grounds for “fleshly” pride before God. Paul became, as it were, a Gentile among them, weak in flesh.

Now, though, the Galatians aim to be circumcised and to observe purity rules, thus strengthening their fleshly credentials. This they ought not to do, but instead imitate Paul in renouncing “strong flesh” and rejoicing in the “weak flesh” of the Crucified and His gospel.