8. At a time when you did not know God, you became slaves to things that by nature are not gods;
9. but now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and destitute elemental powers? Do you want to be slaves to them all over again?
10. You are observing days, months, seasons, and years.
11. I am afraid on your account that perhaps I have labored for you in vain.
12. I implore you, brothers, be as I am, because I have also become as you are. You did me no wrong;
13. you know that it was because of a physical illness that I originally preached the gospel to you,
14. and you did not show disdain or contempt because of the trial caused you by my physical condition, but rather you received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus.