Galatians 1:13

Translations

Modern

For you have heard of my former way of life in Judaism, how severely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it.

Traditional

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:

Literal

For you heard of my conduct formerly in Judaism, that according to excess I was persecuting the church of God and was ravaging it.

Latin

Audistis enim conversationem meam aliquando in Judaismo: quoniam supra modum persequebar Ecclesiam Dei, et expugnabam illam,

Original

Greek

English

For you have heard of my former way of life in Judaism, how severely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it.

Notes

Galatians 1:13–14

To show that his message was not from human reasoning (devised by man, 1:11), Paul explains his life before meeting Jesus. He was a very successful Jew (see Acts 8:1–3; 22:1 –5; 26:4 –5; Philippians 3:4 –7). His opposition to God's church and strict following of Judaism showed his belief in the law before Christ confronted him (Galatians 1:15 –16).

Galatians 1:11–2:21

The Judaizers (people who insisted on following Jewish customs) came to Galatia. They preached that both faith and circumcision were necessary. They questioned Paul's authority as an apostle and tried to discredit his message. Paul defended his authority by showing that past events proved his message was the true good news.

Galatians 1:1–2:21

Some people were against Paul and questioned whether he was a true apostle. They did not believe he was honest and did not think he had the right to be a leader in the church. So Paul begins his letter by explaining that he really was an apostle with authority from God.

Theme notes and profiles

Jewish Leaders Paul (Saul) Persecution

Related verses

1 Corinthians 15:9
For I am the least of the apostles and am unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
Acts 8:3
But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison.
Acts 22:3–5
“I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but raised in this city. I was educated at the feet of Gamaliel in strict conformity to the law of our fathers. I was just as zealous for God as any of you are today.
Acts 26:4–5
Surely all the Jews know how I have lived from my earliest childhood among my own people, and also in Jerusalem.
1 Timothy 1:13
I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent man; yet because I had acted in ignorance and unbelief, I was shown mercy.
Acts 9:21
All who heard him were astounded and asked, “Isn’t this the man who wreaked havoc in Jerusalem on those who call on this name? And hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?”
Acts 26:9–11
So then, I too was convinced that I ought to do all I could to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth.
Acts 9:26
When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple.
Acts 8:1
And Saul was there, giving approval to Stephen’s death. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.
Acts 9:13–14
But Ananias answered, “Lord, many people have told me about this man and all the harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem.
Acts 9:1–2
Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the disciples of the Lord. He approached the high priest
Philippians 3:6
…as to zeal, persecuting the church; as to righteousness in the law, faultless.

People

Judaism: The monotheistic religion of the Jewish people

Glossary

Apostle, Apostleship Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Disciple Faith Judaizers Letter to the Galatians Ordain, Ordination Paul the Apostle

Topics

Bigotry of Saul, in Persecuting the Christians Church: Congregation Ignorance: Sins of Paul: His Vision and Conversion Persecution of the Ekklesia (Body of Christ) Religious Zeal without Knowledge

Galatians 1:13

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