Galatians 1:13-24 Click here for Bible Verses
Hi GAMErs!
Today’s passage is Galatians 1:13-24. Let’s go!
13 For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it.
14 I was advancing in Judaism beyond many Jews of my own age and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers.
15 But when God, who set me apart from birth and called me by his grace, was pleased
16 to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles…
On verses 13-16a: Here in verses 13-24 Paul shares his experience of how he went from trying to destroy the church of God and one of the most zealous Pharisees to a preacher of the gospel of Jesus Christ. As Paul writes, everything changed “when God, who set me apart from birth and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles” (v15-16). Notice those words: “who set me apart from birth and called me” (v15). Long before Paul became passionate about persecuting the church or advancing in Judaism, God had a call on Paul’s life and had set him apart from birth.
Likewise, long before you ever got involved in championing any other cause or advancing in any other passion, profession or pursuit, God set you apart for His purpose and called you. God’s choosing you didn’t happen after you championed other causes or after you spent much time pursuing other things; rather, God had His eye on you and chose you even before you were born, when you were in your mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13-16).
Galatians 1:16b-24 (NIV)
16 …I did not consult any man,
17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went immediately into Arabia and later returned to Damascus.
18 Then after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Peter and stayed with him fifteen days.
19 I saw none of the other apostles–only James, the Lord’s brother.
20 I assure you before God that what I am writing you is no lie.
21 Later I went to Syria and Cilicia.
22 I was personally unknown to the churches of Judea that are in Christ.
23 They only heard the report: “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.”
24 And they praised God because of me.
On verses 16b-24: Why does Paul emphasize so much that the Gospel he preached was not something that he spent a lot of time learning from anyone else, that he “did not consult any man” (v16)? It’s not to say that Paul never needed the advice or help of others. Rather, it’s to support his point that the Gospel is a God thing not a man thing.
Apparently Paul did not consult any person to learn the Gospel, but rather was given the Gospel “by revelation from Jesus Christ” (v12) and the help of the Holy Spirit as he searched the Scriptures. Only after three years did Paul meet the apostle Peter. Spending time with Peter over 15 days confirmed for both Paul and Peter discovered that the Gospel Paul was preaching was consistent with what Peter and the other apostles were preaching. What does that tell you? It shows that the Holy Spirit was at work in Paul’s life.
In the same way, like Paul, when you have a question may you seek God for the answer first before you look for wisdom from people. Then check what you’re hearing from God against what other respected Christians are saying. May you experience the Holy Spirit working in your life, giving you insight that is affirmed by others in the church. As what happened with Paul, may people see in you the positive change that can happen when we allow Jesus Christ to work in our lives. May others praise God because of you (v24).
Father, thank You that before I was even born, You already set me apart to know You and to serve You. Thank You. In Jesus’ name, AMEN!
