I have heard this passage used in an attempt to prove that Christians shouldn't observe holidays. To make such an application is to completely ignore the context in which it occurs. Paul did not condemn the practice of observing special days. In fact, he said in Romans 14:5

One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. Besides that, Paul himself observed special days on occasion.

According to Acts 20:16

Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus to avoid spending time in the province of Asia, for he was in a hurry to reach Jerusalem, if possible, by the day of Pentecost.

Why would he have done that if he meant to tell the Galatians that it was wrong from them to observe special days? Paul's theme was justification and freedom. When you look at verses 10 and 11 in the context of the entire letter, Paul was concerned about their belief that the observance of special days qualified them for God's blessings.

THE SENTIMENTAL ARGUMENT

I'm calling the section from verses 12-20, the sentimental argument. Maybe the word "argument" is too strong because Paul didn't set forth a formal line of reasoning. He issued a strong emotional appeal. We are allowed to look at Paul, the man, not merely Paul the preacher and apostle. Paul was willing to expose the feelings inside his heart.

In verse 13, he said, "As you know, it was because of an illness that I first preached the gospel to you." I'm sure you know that Paul once spoke of having a "thorn in the flesh." Could it be that this is another reference to that same infirmity? We know for sure that he suffered from some kind of bodily affliction and it was this bodily affliction that provided him with the opportunity to speak to the Galatian churches.

There are all sorts of speculation about what this infirmity might have been. Some think he went to Galatia because Pamphylia was mosquito infested. They conclude that Paul suffered from malaria, so he went to Galatia to get away from the mosquitoes. Others have speculated that he suffered from eye trouble as the result of having been blinded on the road to Damascus. Some speculate that he suffered from migraine headaches and still others believe he suffered from epilepsy. In truth, we those are nothing but guesses, but Paul did have an affliction that led him to Galatia.

In Galatia, he had been well received.

Even though my illness was a trial to you, you did not treat me with contempt or scorn. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus himself. - Galatians 4:14

They not only received him, they responded with passion.

What has happened to all your joy? I can testify that, if you could have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me. - Galatians 4:15

We often sing a song that has some of the most expressive lyrics to be found anywhere in the hymnbook.

When each can feel a brother's sigh
And with him bear a part.
When sorrow flows from eye to eye
And joy from heart to heart.

In those early days in the Galatian churches, that kind of relationship existed between Paul and the members of those congregations.

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