Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with [me] also. And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain. But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised: And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you. [Gal 2:1-5]

During the fourteen years mentioned in verse 1, alot of things have happened. Paul passes them over in a few quick words. The fourteen years covered here I believe correspond to the events in Acts 9:30-15:1. Here is a quick overview of this time:

Continue reading “A Meeting By Revelation” →

Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not. Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia; and was unknown by face unto the churches of Judæa which were in Christ: But they had heard only, that he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed. And they glorified God in me. [Gal 1:20-24]

Continue reading “And They Glorified God in Me” →

But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called [me] by His grace, To reveal His Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord’s brother. [Gal 1:15-19]

Now in this passage, we have a little more of history.  In Acts, the Holy Spirit gave to Luke certain details to record.  Here Paul gives other details.  Both are consistent with the purpose that God had for their particular work.

Continue reading “Basic Training” →

For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: And profited in the Jews’ religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers. [Gal 1:13-14]

A few things to note about this time-past conversation in the Jews’ religion:

Continue reading “Worthless Religion” →

For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught [it], but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. [Gal 1:10-12]

Paul lets the readers know that he is not going to “pull any punches” to make everyone feel good.  He is the servant of Christ and stands and falls to his own master.  He does not stand and fall to them-or to us.

Continue reading “By Revelation of Jesus Christ” →