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“Those people”, in verse seventeen, refers to false teachers who claimed to be religious experts and authorities in Judaism and Christianity. By appealing to the believers’ desire to do what was right, they drew quite a crowd. Paul said, however, that they were wrong and that their motives were selfish. False teachers are often respectable and persuasive. This is why all teaching must be checked with the Bible.

Paul led many people to Christ and helped them mature spiritually. One reason for his success as a spiritual father and leader was the deep concern he felt for his spiritual children; he compared his pain over their faithfulness to the pain of childbirth. If people see us as a spiritual mother or father, then we must have the same intense care for them just like Paul. When we lead other people to Christ, remember to stand with them to help them grow.

Galatians 4:17-19
17 Those people are zealous to win you over, but for no good. What they want is to alienate you from us, so that you may have zeal for them. 18 It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always, not just when I am with you. 19 My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you,