“Brethren, I beseech you, be as I am; for I am as ye are: ye have not injured me at all.”
I plead with you, brothers and sisters, become like me, for I became like you. People who are not troubled by an initial question might find freedom in embracing the law-free gospel as Paul now does after having rejected it. — Paul's appeal shifts to emotional intimacy: 'become as I am' (homoios emoi) echoes his transformed identity in Christ, having abandoned law-righteousness; he 'became as you' (homoios hymin) by entering Gentile space without requiring Torah, modeling the inclusive gospel.
Church Fathers on Galatians 4:12
“I beseech you, brethren, be as I am; for I am as you are.” This is addressed to his Jewish disciples, and he brings his own example forward, to induce them thereby to abandon their old customs. Though you had none other for a pattern, he says, to look at me only would have sufficed for such a change, and for your taking courage. Therefore gaze on me; I too was once in your state of mind, especially so; I had a burning zeal for the Law; yet afterwards I feared not to abandon…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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