Galatians 4:14
And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πειρασμὸν
temptation
G3986
πειρασμὸν
temptation
Strong's:
G3986
Word #:
3 of 22
a putting to proof (by experiment (of good), experience (of evil), solicitation, discipline or provocation); by implication, adversity
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σαρκί
flesh
G4561
σαρκί
flesh
Strong's:
G4561
Word #:
8 of 22
flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
14 of 22
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
15 of 22
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
ἄγγελον
an angel
G32
ἄγγελον
an angel
Strong's:
G32
Word #:
16 of 22
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
17 of 22
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ἐδέξασθέ
received
G1209
ἐδέξασθέ
received
Strong's:
G1209
Word #:
18 of 22
to receive (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
20 of 22
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
Cross References
Matthew 10:40He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.1 Thessalonians 2:13For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.Hebrews 13:2Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.Zechariah 12:8In that day shall the LORD defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and he that is feeble among them at that day shall be as David; and the house of David shall be as God, as the angel of the LORD before them.2 Corinthians 5:20Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.Malachi 2:7For the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts.2 Samuel 14:17Then thine handmaid said, The word of my lord the king shall now be comfortable: for as an angel of God, so is my lord the king to discern good and bad: therefore the LORD thy God will be with thee.2 Samuel 19:27And he hath slandered thy servant unto my lord the king; but my lord the king is as an angel of God: do therefore what is good in thine eyes.
Historical Context
In Greco-Roman culture, philosophers and orators were judged by physical appearance, rhetorical skill, and impressive bearing. Paul apparently lacked these (2 Corinthians 10:10, 11:6). His physical weakness could have been grounds for dismissing his message. That the Galatians initially received him as Christ Himself demonstrated supernatural spiritual discernment—seeing beyond the messenger to the message and the God behind it. Their current drift suggested they'd lost this Spirit-given insight.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you judge spiritual truth by the messenger's appearance and eloquence, or by the message's content and the Spirit's witness?
- How did you initially receive the gospel and those who brought it to you, and has your attitude changed?
- What does it mean to receive Christian teachers 'as Christ Jesus'—recognizing Christ speaks through imperfect vessels?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. Paul recalls their gracious reception. "My temptation which was in my flesh" (ton peirasmon hymōn en tē sarki mou)—better translated "your trial in my flesh" or "my condition that was a trial to you." Paul's physical affliction could have tempted them to reject his message. Ancient culture saw physical infirmity as divine disfavor or demonic affliction. His weakness was a test of their spiritual receptivity.
"Ye despised not" (ouk exoutheneēsate, οὐκ ἐξουθενήσατε)—you didn't treat as nothing, you didn't disdain. "Nor rejected" (oude exeptysate)—literally "nor spit out," suggesting visceral disgust they could have felt. Instead, "ye received me as an angel of God" (hōs angelon theou)—as a divine messenger. "Even as Christ Jesus" (hōs Christon Iēsoun)—the ultimate comparison. They recognized that despite Paul's weak vessel, Christ spoke through him (Matthew 10:40). Their initial reception testified to the Spirit's work. Now Paul implicitly asks: what changed? Have you lost spiritual discernment?