Keraia
Galatians 1

Galatians 1:17

Paul Preaches the Gospel · Galatians 1:10–24
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Translations

Modern
…nor did I go up to Jerusalem to the apostles who came before me, but I went into Arabia and later returned to Damascus.
Traditional
Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.
Literal
…nor did I go up to Jerusalem to the apostles before me, but I went away to Arabia and returned again to Damascus.
Latin
…neque veni Jerosolymam ad antecessores meos Apostolos: sed abii in Arabiam, et iterum reversus sum Damascum:

Original

Greek
English
…nor did I go up to Jerusalem to the apostles who came before me, but I went into Arabia and later returned to Damascus.

Notes

Galatians 1:17

  • Paul considered his role as an apostle equal to that of the original disciples (see 1 Corinthians 9:1; 15:5–9; compare Acts 1:22; 10:41).

  • Paul's journey to Arabia is not mentioned elsewhere. He likely developed his understanding of the good news about Jesus during that time. Paul was familiar with:

    • the Scriptures (see Acts 22:3),

    • the beliefs of the first Christians (see Acts 8:1), and

    • what others had shared with him since he became a follower of Jesus.

Galatians 1:16–20

Paul learned directly from the Lord and did not consult with any person, not even the other apostles. Paul was independent from the other apostles but still agreed with them (2:1–10).

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

Paul (Saul)

Places

Arabia: A region and its inhabitants, mentioned in various contexts Damascus: Ancient city, capital of Syria, important in biblical history Jerusalem: The capital of Israel, a holy city for three religions

Glossary

Apostle, Apostleship Arabia, Arabs Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Chronology of the Bible (New Testament) Faith Judaizers Letter to the Galatians Paul the Apostle

Topics

Arabia: Paul Visits Arabians: Gospel Preached To Christian Minister: Preach Without Authority Damascus: Paul's Experiences In Paul: Sent to the Gentiles The Ishmaelites: Probably Preached to by Paul