Galatians 1:17
nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Paul immediately went into Arabia, choosing isolation rather than seeking approval from the established apostles. This detour highlights that his authority and understanding of the gospel came directly from God, not from human endorsement or further instruction from those who were apostles before him.
Paul is explaining that his apostleship wasn't derived from the other apostles in Jerusalem. Immediately after his conversion on the road to Damascus, he didn't seek them out for instruction. Instead, he went into Arabia for a period of time before returning to Damascus. This shows he received his authority directly from God, not from human leaders.
Ever feel like you need someone else's 'okay' before you can really start something for God? Paul's initial steps after meeting Jesus were radically different.
Paul makes a bold claim right here: he didn't go to the established leaders in Jerusalem.
Not Looking for a Boss
Direct to the Wilderness
We know Paul preached powerfully, but what about the years right after his conversion? This verse reveals a hidden chapter of his ministry.
The Bible doesn't detail everything about every person's life. Paul's trip to Arabia is a prime example of a significant period omitted in the more general historical accounts.
A Wilderness Preparation
Understand the original words
apostolos · Greek Noun
One who is 'sent out' as a commissioned representative or delegate. Specifically, it refers to the twelve chosen by Jesus and Paul, who were eyewitnesses of the resurrected Christ and authorized to lay the foundation of the Church.
Paul's journey to Arabia, omitted in the Book of Acts, was crucial for establishing his independent apostleship, showing he didn't receive his commission from the Jerusalem apostles but directly from God.
c. AD 33-36— this verse
Paul's Conversion
Saul (later Paul) encounters the risen Christ on the road to Damascus and is converted.
c. AD 33-36
Paul's Initial Ministry in Damascus
Immediately after his conversion, Paul begins preaching in the synagogues of Damascus, proclaiming Jesus as the Son of God.
c. AD 33-36
Paul's Journey to Arabia
Paul travels from Damascus into the region of Arabia, likely for a period of reflection and private ministry before returning to Damascus.
c. AD 36-39
Paul's Return to Damascus and Escape
After his time in Arabia, Paul returns to Damascus, where increased Jewish opposition leads to a plot against his life, forcing his escape.
c. AD 36-39
This passage in Acts describes Paul's immediate preaching in Damascus after his conversion, directly preceding any mention of a withdrawal to Arabia, highlighting the swiftness of his ministry and its independent origin.
Jeremiah 1:5This verse shows God's sovereign choice and calling of Jeremiah before his birth, paralleling Paul's assertion in Galatians 1:15 that God had set him apart from the womb, emphasizing a divine, not human, commission.
2 Corinthians 11:32-33This passage, mentioning Paul being let down in a basket from Damascus to escape an Arabian governor, provides context for his presence in Damascus and potential interaction with Arabian authorities, indirectly supporting his time in the region.
Matthew 16:17Jesus' statement that 'flesh and blood has not revealed this to you' to Peter echoes Paul's emphasis that his understanding of the Gospel did not come from human consultation, reinforcing the idea of a direct divine revelation.
barnesGalatians 1:17: "Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus."
Neither went I up to Jerusalem - That is, I did not go there at once. I did not go to consult with the apostles there, or to be instructed by them in regard to the nature of the Christian religion. The design of this statement is to show that, in no sense, did he derive his commission from man. To them which were apostles before me - This implies that…
gillGalatians 1:17: "Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus."
Neither went I up to Jerusalem,.... That is, immediately, as soon as he was converted, not till three years after, as follows; though by the account which Luke gives of him, Acts 9:23 and by that which the apostle gives of himself, Acts 22:17 it looks as if he went to Jerusalem some little time after his conversion, and before the date here given: and…
Paul immediately went into Arabia, choosing isolation rather than seeking approval from the established apostles. This detour highlights that his authority and understanding of the gospel came directly from God, not from human endorsement or further instruction from those who were apostles before him.
Paul is explaining that his apostleship wasn't derived from the other apostles in Jerusalem. Immediately after his conversion on the road to Damascus, he didn't seek them out for instruction. Instead, he went into Arabia for a period of time before returning to Damascus. This shows he received his authority directly from God, not from human leaders.
Paul is explaining that his apostleship wasn't derived from the other apostles in Jerusalem. Immediately after his conversion on the road to Damascus, he didn't seek them out for instruction. Instead, he went into Arabia for a period of time before returning to Damascus. This shows he received his authority directly from God, not from human leaders.
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The Book of Acts' Silence
Paul's First Visit to Jerusalem
About three years after his conversion, Paul travels to Jerusalem and meets with Peter and James, the Lord's brother, solidifying his apostolic credentials.
"nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus." — Paul immediately went into Arabia, choosing isolation rather than seeking approval from the established apostles. This detour highlights that his authority and understanding of the gospel came direct…
