Albert Barnes Commentary Galatians 4:15

"Where then is that gratulation of yourselves? for I bear you witness, that, if possible, ye would have plucked out your eyes and given them to me." — Galatians 4:15 (ASV)

Where is then the blessedness. The margin indicates, "What was"—in accordance with the Greek. The words "you spoke of" are not in the Greek and should have been printed in italics. But they obscure the sense, at any rate.

This is not to be regarded as a question asking what had become of the blessedness, implying that it had departed; rather, it is to be regarded as an exclamation, referring to the happiness of that moment, and their affection and joy when they so received him. "What blessedness you had then! How happy was that moment! What tenderness of affection! What overflowing joy!" It was a time full of joy, and love, and affectionate confidence. So Tyndale well renders it, "How happy you were then!" In this interpretation, Doddridge, Rosenmüller, Bloomfield, Koppe, Chandler, and others concur. Locke renders it, "What benedictions did you then pour out on me!"

For I bear you record. I testify.

You would have plucked out your own eyes, etc. No higher proof of attachment could have been given. They loved him so much that they would have given to him anything, however dear; they would have done anything to contribute to his welfare. How changed they were, now that they had abandoned his doctrines and yielded themselves to the guidance of those who taught a wholly different doctrine!