Galatians 5:⁷ You were running well; who prevented you from obeying the truth? ^…12 I wish those who unsettle you would castrate themselves! 

I love v.12 because it reveals Paul’s level of anger and frustration with instructors who would undo the apostolic teaching Paul gave at the church in Galatia. I can imagine Paul writing these words and wondering if he should delete v.12 – then choosing not to. Or if perhaps a disciple of Paul was writing as Paul offered dictation and may have suggested Paul leave that verse out. But whatever the case may have been, Paul decided that v.12 would stay – and I’m glad he did.

Too often we see paintings of biblical characters with halos on their heads so as to appear almost angelic. It’s easy to put such people on a pedestal, thinking God could never use you and me as he did persons in the bible. Wrong. These people were every bit human as you and me, with normal human foibles and shortcomings.

They could even be a bit crude once in a while.

Heavenly Father you do extraordinary things through ordinary people. Give us grace to place ourselves into in your hands, trusting not in ourselves, but in you. Help us to suspend disbelief long enough to be used by you for your purposes. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.