10. You observe [particular] days and months and seasons and years!
11. I am alarmed [about you], lest I have labored among and over you to no purpose and in vain.
12. Brethren, I beg of you, become as I am [free from the bondage of Jewish ritualism and ordinances], for I also have become as you are [a Gentile]. You did me no wrong [in the days when I first came to you; do not do it now].
13. On the contrary, you know that it was on account of a bodily ailment that [I remained and] preached the Gospel to you the first time.
14. And [yet] although my physical condition was [such] a trial to you, you did not regard it with contempt, or scorn and loathe and reject me; but you received me as an angel of God, [even] as Christ Jesus [Himself]!
15. What has become of that blessed enjoyment and satisfaction and self-congratulation that once was yours [in what I taught you and in your regard for me]? For I bear you witness that you would have torn out your own eyes and have given them to me [to replace mine], if that were possible.
16. Have I then become your enemy by telling the truth to you and dealing sincerely with you?
17. These men [the Judaizing teachers] are zealously trying to dazzle you [paying court to you, making much of you], but their purpose is not honorable or worthy or for any good. What they want to do is to isolate you [from us who oppose them], so that they may win you over to their side and get you to court their favor.
18. It is always a fine thing [of course] to be zealously sought after [as you are, provided that it is] for a good purpose and done by reason of purity of heart and life, and not just when I am present with you!
19. My little children, for whom I am again suffering birth pangs until Christ is completely and permanently formed (molded) within you,
20. Would that I were with you now and could coax you vocally, for I am fearful and perplexed about you!
21. Tell me, you who are bent on being under the Law, will you listen to what the Law [really] says?