Main Idea of Galatians:
To defend the gospel of grace as the sole basis for justification and Christian living, to assert the believer’s freedom from legalism through faith in Christ, and to call believers back to the truth of the gospel.
Questions to Consider:
What does Paul’s account of his early ministry reveal about the nature of his conversion and calling?
Why does Paul emphasize the brevity of his initial visits to Jerusalem?
What is the significance of the churches in Judea glorifying God because of Paul?
The Text:
“Then after three years I did go up to Jerusalem to get to know Cephas, and I stayed with him fifteen days. But I didn’t see any of the other apostles except James, the Lord’s brother. I declare in the sight of God: I am not lying in what I write to you.
Afterward, I went to the regions of Syria and Cilicia. I remained personally unknown to the Judean churches that are in Christ. They simply kept hearing, “He who formerly persecuted us now preaches the faith he once tried to destroy.” And they glorified God because of me.
– Galatians 1:18-24 (CSB)
Observations:
First Visit to Jerusalem (vv. 18-19): Paul describes his first visit to Jerusalem three years after his conversion. He notes that it was brief (fifteen days) and focused primarily on visiting Cephas (Peter). He mentions seeing only James, the Lord’s brother, and emphasizes the truthfulness of his account.
Ministry in Syria and Cilicia (v. 21): Paul states that after this visit, he went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia.
Recognition by Judean Churches (vv. 22-24): Paul highlights that he was personally unknown to the churches of Judea, but they heard reports of his transformation and ministry. Their response was to glorify God because of him.
Interpretation:
First Visit to Jerusalem (vv. 18-19): Moo (BECNT) highlights that Paul’s account here is carefully constructed to emphasize his limited interaction with the established apostles. The brevity of the visit and his focus on Cephas (Peter) suggests that he was not seeking their approval or instruction.
The mention of James, “the Lord’s brother” (v. 19), is significant. James held a prominent position in the early church, and Paul’s reference to him adds weight to his account.
Paul’s assertion “In what I am writing to you, before God, I do not lie!” (v. 20) emphasizes the truthfulness of his testimony. Given the challenge to his authority, Paul is adamant about the accuracy of his account.
Ministry in Syria and Cilicia (v. 21): This brief statement indicates Paul’s active ministry in other regions after his initial period of preparation. It shows that he was not idle but engaged in spreading the gospel.
Recognition by Judean Churches (vv. 22-24): Schreiner (ZECNT) points out that the churches of Judea, despite not knowing Paul personally, heard reports of his radical transformation and ministry. This highlights the impact of his conversion.
The churches’ response of glorifying God because of Paul (v. 24) is significant. It demonstrates that his ministry was recognized and affirmed by other believers, even though he had not been personally known to them.
White (GTI) suggests that this response reflects the surprising and powerful nature of God’s grace. The fact that those who were once persecuted by Paul now glorified God for his ministry is a testament to the transformative power of the gospel.
Application:
God’s Transformative Power: Paul’s radical conversion and the response of the Judean churches illustrate the transformative power of the Gospel. We should expect and celebrate God’s ability to change lives, even in the most unexpected ways.
The Importance of Personal Testimony: Paul’s account of his early ministry highlights the power of personal testimony. Sharing our own stories of God’s work in our lives can be a powerful witness to others.
Unity in the Body of Christ: The recognition and affirmation of Paul’s ministry by the Judean churches, despite not knowing him personally, demonstrates the unity of the body of Christ. We should seek to recognize and support the work of other believers, even if we are not directly involved.
Living a Life of Truth: Paul’s emphasis on the truthfulness of his account challenges us to live lives of integrity. Our words and actions should be characterized by honesty and truthfulness.
Connection to the Main Idea:
This section contributes to the main idea of Galatians by further establishing Paul’s authority and the validity of his gospel. His account of his early ministry and the response of the Judean churches reinforces that his message was not a human invention but a divinely given truth that was recognized and affirmed by others.
How Does This Text Point to Christ?
While Christ is not explicitly mentioned in every verse, the passage points to Christ through:
The transformative power of the Gospel, which is centered on Christ.
The emphasis on God’s grace, which is manifested in Christ.
The recognition of Paul’s ministry, which was dedicated to proclaiming Christ.
Summary:
Galatians 1:18-24 describes Paul’s early ministry and recognition by the churches of Judea, further establishing his authority and the impact of the Gospel.
Be Intentional:
Reflect on the transformative power of God’s grace in your own life.
Consider how you can share your personal testimony and witness to others.
Seek to promote unity and support within the body of Christ.
Strive for truthfulness and integrity in your words and actions.
Bibliography:
Carson, D. A. (General Editor). NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible (NIVBTSB). Zondervan.
Merida, Tony & Platt, David. Exalting Jesus in Galatians (CCE) (Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary).
Moo, Douglas J. Galatians (BECNT) (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament).
Schreiner, Thomas R. Galatians (ZECNT) (Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament).
Schreiner, Thomas R. Christ Crucified: A Theology of Galatians.
White, A. Blake. Galatians: A Theological Interpretation (GTI).
