March 4 - Galatians 1:18-24

March 4 - Galatians 1:18-24

Then after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Cephas and stayed with him fifteen days. I saw none of the other apostles—only James, the Lord’s brother. I assure you before God that what I am writing you is no lie.

Then I went to Syria and Cilicia. I was personally unknown to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. They only heard the report: “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” And they praised God because of me.

Paul spent three years in Arabia and only fifteen days with Cephas (Peter).  It could possibly be that with this statement, Paul is ensuring that no one thinks he is subordinate to or a disciple of Peter.  He was simply there to get to know the man a little bit and to test the waters.  Would Peter trust him after knowing him as a persecutor?  Would Paul even be safe in Jerusalem since he failed to complete his mission as that same persecutor?  It was wise of him to wait three years before returning.

Those fifteen days were probably spent discussing the Lord.  Can you imagine the stories that the two of them shared?  He also met with James, the brother of Jesus, who was in charge of the church in Jerusalem.

Paul finishes this thought by stating that he was not lying.  Why? He needed to assure his readers that he had received his message from Christ and ordination from God and also that he was not dependent on the Jerusalem disciples for his ministry.

From Jerusalem, Paul began his ministry in the region of Judea.  His former job now comes into play as those who knew of him as a persecutor of the Christians recognize the power of the faith that he is preaching.  God is praised for his transformation.

Paul needs to let the Galatians know who he is and why he is qualified to bring the word of God to them.