Galatians 4:11

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

I am afraid for you, [i.e., for your spiritual safety], that possibly I may have spent a lot of effort on your behalf for nothing.

Cross References

Acts 16:6

And then Paul, Silas, Timothy [and perhaps others by now] traveled through the districts of Phrygia and Galatia [i.e., provinces of central Asia Minor] because [an inspired message from] the Holy Spirit would not permit them to proclaim the message in Asia [i.e., the westernmost province of Asia Minor].

1 Corinthians 15:58

Therefore, my dearly loved brothers, stand firm [in the faith]; do not be moved [from your commitment] Always do your best to work for the Lord, since you know that your labor in the Lord’s [service] is not for nothing.

Galatians 2:2

[It was] in response to [a divine] revelation that I went [there] and explained to them [i.e., the apostles and elders] the Gospel [message] that I had been preaching among the Gentiles. Then [later on I presented it] privately before those who were highly regarded [i.e., the three apostles, verse 9] so [they would have verification that] my running [i.e., ministry] had not been, nor was now, in vain.

Galatians 4:10

You are observing [certain] days, and months, and seasons, and years [as binding religious holidays].

Galatians 4:12

I urge you, brothers, become like me [in this matter], for I have become like you. You did not do anything wrong to me, [even as I have not wronged you].

Galatians 4:20

But I would like to be present with you and change the tone [of my remarks], because I am very distressed over your condition.

Philippians 2:16

as you hold out [i.e., offer to people] the message of [never ending] life. Then I will have something to boast about on the day of Christ’s [return, See 1:6], that I had not run the race for nothing nor had worked for nothing.

1 Thessalonians 3:5

[So], for this reason, when I could not stand it any longer, I also sent [Timothy] to find out about your faith. I was afraid that somehow the tempter [i.e., Satan] had tempted you [to give up] and that our work [on your behalf] will have become useless.

2 John 1:8

Pay close attention to yourselves, so that you do not lose what we [Note: Some Greek manuscripts say “you”] worked for [i.e., the spiritual blessings you have acquired], but [continue faithful] so that you will receive a full reward. [See Luke 12:47-48; James 3:1; Matt. 20:1-15].