Historical Connection Between Paul’s Illness and His Ministry in Galatia
Here is an explanation of the historical connection between Paul’s illness and the ministry of Paul and Barnabas , drawing directly from the best available scholarly evidence. This summarizes what the Expositor’s Greek Testament discusses in its introduction (pp. 135–137) and integrates corroborating historical research from modern sources. According to Expositor’s Greek Testament: Some features of this attack on the contrary may be inferred from the description given of its effects: it incapacitated the patient for travel, produced disfigurement and offensive symptoms, but allowed free intercourse with those around him. His success in winning the hearts of those who visited him in his sick chamber suggests a chronic ailment prolonged for a considerable time, as does also the complete change in his plans. The only definite hint given of a specific malady is the language of Galatians 4:15 : from which I gather that the eyesight was imperiled by a virulent attack of o...