“Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain.”
Have you experienced so much in vain — if it really was in vain? — Paul appeals to their spiritual trajectory ('paschō' — suffer, endure, or experience as here): the trials, gifts, and transformations they underwent as they received the gospel would all be nullified ('kenōs' — emptied, in vain) if legalism negates grace.
Church Fathers on Galatians 3:4
“Did you suffer so many things in vain? if it be indeed in vain.” This remark is far more piercing than the former, for the remembrance of their miracles would not be so powerful as the exhibition of their contests and endurance of sufferings for Christ's sake. All that you have endured, says he, these men would strip you of, and would rob you of your crown. Then, lest he should dismay and unnerve, he proceeds not to a formal judgment, but subjoins, “if it be indeed in…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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