Galatians 1:23
They only were hearing it said, “He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The most striking thing here is how the text emphasizes that the churches only knew Paul through reports. It wasn't about seeing him or debating with him; it was the sheer, unbelievable news of his transformation that spread, highlighting the radical nature of his conversion from persecutor to preacher.
The churches in Judea knew of Paul only through reports, as they hadn't met him in person. These reports spoke of his dramatic transformation from a fierce persecutor of Christians to a fervent preacher of the very faith he once sought to destroy. This astonishing change was a testament to God's power and a source of wonder to those who heard about it.
Imagine a notorious enemy suddenly joining your cause. That's the shockwave Paul's conversion sent through early communities.
The early believers in Judea hadn't met Paul face-to-face. Their knowledge of him was purely secondhand information. They'd only heard about this man who had been their fiercest adversary. This verse highlights how news of his dramatic turnaround had spread, creating a buzz of disbelief and wonder. It wasn't just a subtle shift; it was a radical transformation that people were talking about.
What exactly was this 'faith' that Saul of Tarsus once tore apart and later proclaimed with his life?
The word 'faith' here doesn't just mean a personal belief. It refers to the entire body of Christian doctrine – the teachings about who Jesus is, his work, and salvation. Paul didn't just persecute individuals; he actively tried to dismantle the very message they believed in. Now, he was passionately preaching this same 'faith,' the Gospel itself, which had become the cornerstone of his new life and identity.
The incredible flip from persecutor to apostle wasn't Paul's idea. It was God's sovereign plan unfolding.
This verse, placed within the broader context of Galatians 1, emphasizes that Paul's apostleship and ministry were not derived from human authority or even consultation with other apostles after his conversion. His calling was direct from God. The astonishment of the early believers underscores the miraculous nature of his change. It wasn't a gradual change of heart prompted by human persuasion, but a dramatic, divinely orchestrated intervention that redirected his entire life and mission.
Understand the original words
diōkōn · Greek Verb
The act of causing suffering or harassment, particularly against the church for their belief in Jesus; it often implies an attempt to silence or eradicate the faith.
pistin · Greek Noun
The objective body of truth, doctrine, and teachings concerning the person and work of Jesus Christ; the content of the Christian message.
eporthei · Greek Verb
To cause the ruin, overthrow, or breaking down of something; in this context, it refers to Paul's prior attempt to dismantle the Christian movement.
This verse captures the astonishment of believers who, having only heard of Paul's fierce persecution of the church, were now hearing reports of his passionate preaching of the very faith he once sought to destroy. It highlights the radical nature of his conversion and the incredible work of God in transforming an enemy into a foundational apostle.
c. AD 33-34— this verse
Saul's Conversion on the Road to Damascus
Saul, a fervent persecutor of early Christians, has a dramatic encounter with the resurrected Jesus. This event marks a radical turning point, transforming him into a follower and, eventually, an apostle.
c. AD 34-36
Saul's Sojourn in Arabia and Return to Damascus
After his conversion, Saul withdraws to Arabia for about three years, likely to reflect and receive further divine instruction. He then returns to Damascus, where he begins to preach about Jesus.
c. AD 37-40
Visit to Jerusalem and Early Ministry
Saul travels to Jerusalem and meets with Peter and James, spending about fifteen days with them. He then carries out ministry in his home region of Cilicia, continuing to spread the gospel.
c. AD 46-48
First Missionary Journey with Barnabas
This passage details the dramatic conversion of Saul of Tarsus, the very persecutor mentioned in Galatians, showing his immediate shift from actively destroying the early church to proclaiming the faith he once attacked.
1 Timothy 1:12-16Paul himself reflects on his past persecution, calling himself the foremost of sinners, but emphasizes that God showed him mercy so that in him, as the foremost, Christ Jesus might display His perfect patience as an example to future believers.
Jeremiah 1:5This verse parallels God's sovereign calling of Jeremiah, setting him apart from the womb to be a prophet to the nations, similar to how Paul views his own calling and transformation as divinely ordained, not self-initiated.
Philippians 3:4-9Here, Paul contrasts his former life and Jewish credentials, which he once valued highly and could have used to undermine the early church, with the surpassing worth of knowing Christ, whom he now preaches.
gillGalatians 1:23: "But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed."
But they had heard only,.... What they knew of the apostle was only by hearsay; they had never seen him, nor heard him preach, nor conversed with him, only had it reported to them; that he which persecuted us in times past; some few years ago, and not them personally, but such as were of the same faith with them, the church at Jerusalem and the members of it; whi…
cambridgeGalatians 1:23: "But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed."
23 . the faith ] Three principal senses attach to this word in the N. T.: (1) Truth, or truthfulness, trustworthiness; e.g. Romans 3:3 , “the faith of God.” (2) Belief of, or confidence in a Person or thing. This is its most common meaning. (3) The revelation of the character, will and purpose of God ‘who cannot lie’—the only thing certain and permanent in a muta…
The most striking thing here is how the text emphasizes that the churches only knew Paul through reports. It wasn't about seeing him or debating with him; it was the sheer, unbelievable news of his transformation that spread, highlighting the radical nature of his conversion from persecutor to preacher.
The churches in Judea knew of Paul only through reports, as they hadn't met him in person. These reports spoke of his dramatic transformation from a fierce persecutor of Christians to a fervent preacher of the very faith he once sought to destroy. This astonishing change was a testament to God's power and a source of wonder to those who heard about it.
The churches in Judea knew of Paul only through reports, as they hadn't met him in person. These reports spoke of his dramatic transformation from a fierce persecutor of Christians to a fervent preacher of the very faith he once sought to destroy. This astonishing change was a testament to God's power and a source of wonder to those who heard about it.
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Paul and Barnabas embark on their first major missionary journey, traveling to Cyprus and various cities in Asia Minor, establishing churches and facing opposition.
c. AD 49
Jerusalem Council
A pivotal council is held in Jerusalem to address the issue of Gentile inclusion in the church and the requirements of the Mosaic Law. Paul strongly defends the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith.
c. AD 50-52
Second Missionary Journey
Paul, now often separated from Barnabas, travels through Asia Minor and into Greece, establishing churches in key cities like Corinth and Philippi. This journey involves significant challenges and opposition.
c. AD 53-57
Third Missionary Journey
Paul spends an extended period in Ephesus, strengthening churches and confronting false teachings. He continues his ministry across Asia Minor and into Macedonia and Greece.
"They only were hearing it said, “He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.”" — The most striking thing here is how the text emphasizes that the churches only knew Paul through reports. It wasn't about seeing him or debating with him; it was the sheer, unbelievable news of his…
