Paul’s Transformed Life Proclaims the Gospel (Galatians 1:18-24)

Scripture: Galatians 1:18-24

Today’s Word

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. (Galatians 1:18-24, NIV)

Background

Key Terms Made Simple

• Cephas (Peter): One of Jesus’ twelve disciples and a primary leader of the early church. Jesus gave him a name meaning “rock.”
• James: Jesus’ brother who became a leader of the Jerusalem church. He came to faith after Jesus’ resurrection.
• Syria and Cilicia: The region where Paul’s hometown of Tarsus was located, encompassing modern-day southern Turkey and Syria.
• Persecute: To harass and harm people because of their faith. Paul had previously led efforts to imprison and kill Christians.

Key Expressions to Notice

1. “Then after three years”
2. “I assure you before God that what I am writing you is no lie”
3. “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy”
4. “They praised God because of me”

Main Points of the Text

1. Evidence of Independent Apostleship: Paul visited Jerusalem only after three years and met only with Peter and James. This shows his gospel and ministry didn’t depend on the Jerusalem leaders.
2. Solemn Declaration of Truthfulness: Paul calls God as his witness to emphasize the truth of his words. Honesty is crucial when proclaiming gospel truth.
3. Evidence of Dramatic Transformation: Paul transformed from persecuting the church to preaching the gospel. This wasn’t merely a change of mind but a complete life transformation by God’s power.
4. Glory to God: People who saw and heard about Paul’s transformed life praised God, not Paul. A genuine life of faith reveals God’s glory.

Applying to My Life

1. Where Does My Faith Come From?: Like Paul, our faith shouldn’t depend only on human teaching but should be grounded in direct encounters and relationship with God. We need time to meet God directly through Bible reading and prayer.
2. Does My Life Bear Witness?: Paul didn’t just proclaim the gospel with words; he testified to it through his transformed life. We should examine whether our life changes cause people around us to praise God.
3. Use Your Past as Evidence of Grace: Paul didn’t hide his dark past. Instead, he used it to testify to God’s amazing grace. Our past mistakes and sins can also become tools to witness God’s grace.

Think About It

1. Why didn’t Paul go to Jerusalem for three years after his conversion, staying instead in Arabia and Damascus? What might have happened to Paul during that time?
2. How might the Judean churches have felt hearing the report: “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith”? How would you have received Paul if you were in their position?
3. Has your life transformation ever caused others to praise God? What evidence of grace might God want to show through you right now?