Galatians 1:13
Verse
Context
Paul Preaches the Gospel
12I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.13For you have heard of my former way of life in Judaism, how severely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it.14I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers.
Sermons
Steve Gallagher
Bill McLeod
H.J. Vine
St. John Chrysostom
F.F Bruce
David ServantSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Ye have heard of my conversation - Την εμην αναστροφην· My manner of life; the mode in which I conducted myself. Beyond measure I persecuted the Church - For proofs of this the reader is referred to Act 9:1-2 (note); Act 22:4 (note), and the notes there. The apostle tells them that they had heard this, because, being Jews, they were acquainted with what had taken place in Judea, relative to these important transactions.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
heard--even before I came among you. conversation--"my former way of life." Jews' religion--The term, "Hebrew," expresses the language; "Jew," the nationality, as distinguished from the Gentiles; "Israelite," the highest title, the religious privileges, as a member of the theocracy. the church--Here singular, marking its unity, though constituted of many particular churches, under the one Head, Christ. of God--added to mark the greatness of his sinful alienation from God (Co1 15:19). wasted--laid it waste: the opposite of "building it up."
John Gill Bible Commentary
For ye have heard of my conversation in time past,.... His manner and course of life, in his state of unregeneracy, how diametrically opposite his education and behaviour, his principles and practices, were to the Gospel; which show that he had not received it, nor was he taught it of men. This they might have heard of, either from himself, when he first preached among them, who was very free to acknowledge his former sins and errors; or from the Jews, who were scattered abroad in the several countries; and it may be, from them, who were forced to fly to strange cities, and perhaps to some in Galatia, on account of his persecution: now his life and conversation, before his conversion, were spent in the Jews' religion; or "in Judaism". He was born of Jewish parents, had a Jewish education, was brought up under a Jewish doctor, in all the peculiarities of the Jewish religion, and so could have received no hints, not in a notional way, of the truths of the Gospel; which he might have done, had he been born of Christian parents, and had had a Christian education: besides, he was brought up in the religion of the Jews, not as it was founded and established by God, but as it was corrupted by them; who had lost the true sense of the oracles of God committed to them, the true use of sacrifices, and the end of the law; had added to it a load of human traditions; placed all religion in bare doing, and taught that justification and salvation lay in the observance of the law of Moses, and the traditions of the elders: add to this, that he was brought up in the sect of the Jewish religion, Pharisaism, which was the straitest sect of it, and the most averse to Christ and his Gospel; so that he could never receive it, or have any disposition to it from hence; so far from it, that he appeals to the Galatians, as what they must have heard, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God; which he now knew, and believed to be the church of God; though then he did not, but rather a synagogue of Satan; and this he mentions, as an aggravation of his sin, under a sense of which he was humbled all his days: when he is said to persecute it "beyond measure", the meaning is not, as if there were any lawful measure, or due bounds of persecution, but that he persecuted the saints in a most violent and outrageous manner, beyond all others that were concerned with him: the church of God at Jerusalem is particularly designed, and the members of it, the disciples of Christ; whom he hated, and committed to prison, and breathed out threatenings and slaughter against, and destroyed: wherefore it follows, and wasted it; or destroyed it; as much as in him lay, he sought to do it, though he was not able to effect it entirely; he made havoc of it, dispersed its members, caused them to flee to strange cities, persecuted them to death, gave his voice against them to have them punished and put to death: such an aversion had he to the followers of Christ, and the Christian doctrine.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:13-14 To prove that his message did not come from human reason (1:11), Paul describes what he was like before he encountered Christ: He was a highly successful Jew (see Acts 8:1-3; 22:1-5; 26:4-5; Phil 3:4-7). His antagonism to God’s church and strict adherence to Judaism demonstrated his faith in the law before Christ confronted him (Gal 1:15-16).
Galatians 1:13
Paul Preaches the Gospel
12I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.13For you have heard of my former way of life in Judaism, how severely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it.14I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Paul) 1. the Conversion of Saul
By Steve Gallagher86258:30GAL 1:13
This sermon delves into the life and writings of the Apostle Paul, highlighting his dramatic conversion experience on the road to Damascus. It emphasizes the radical transformation that took place in Paul's life, from a zealous persecutor of Christians to a fervent follower of Christ. The sermon also touches on the importance of conviction of sin, fear of God, spiritual enlightenment, true repentance, and the ongoing process of sanctification in a believer's life.
Great Texts in Galatians
By Bill McLeod82058:01GAL 1:13In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of allowing the Holy Spirit to work in our hearts to form the image of Jesus Christ within us. The goal of every believer should be to reflect Christ in their lives. The speaker also warns against falling back into bondage and weak elements, urging believers to embrace the freedom found in Christ. The contrast between the Old Testament and the New Testament is highlighted, showing how the Holy Spirit empowers believers with courage and power instead of fear.
The Assembly of God
By H.J. Vine0ACT 1:151CO 3:10GAL 1:13EPH 4:11COL 1:18H.J. Vine delves into the origins and composition of the assembly of God, emphasizing that it began with Christ giving the Spirit to His disciples at Pentecost. The assembly, or church of God, is united with Christ as its exalted Head, who secured eternal redemption through His work on the cross. Paul, a special minister of the truth about the assembly, highlights the importance of understanding its vital beginning and power, distinct from mere instruction. The foundation of the local assembly is Jesus Christ, with all apostles and prophets playing a part in its structure.
Being More Exceedingly Zealous of the Traditions of My Fathers.
By Martin Luther01CO 10:31GAL 1:13GAL 5:1PHP 3:5COL 2:20Martin Luther speaks about his past life as a zealous follower of the Mosaic Law and the papistical laws and traditions of the fathers, striving to uphold them with great fervor and dedication. He emphasizes his strict adherence to these laws, even surpassing those who now oppose him, and his deep commitment to honoring God through his actions. Luther warns the Galatians against deceivers who overly exalt the Law, using his own experience as an example of how such legalism can be misleading and dangerous.
John 1:11-13
By St. John Chrysostom0JHN 1:121CO 15:91CO 15:49GAL 1:131TI 1:131TI 1:15John Chrysostom preaches about God's loving and beneficent nature, emphasizing that God draws people to Himself through persuasion and benefits, not force, allowing individuals to willingly choose to serve Him. Despite some rejecting Him, God continues to care for those who disobey, offering them the opportunity for repentance and forgiveness. Chrysostom highlights the infinite goodness of God, who came to His own people for their benefit, even though they rejected Him, showcasing His boundless love and compassion. He also discusses the importance of faith and living a life worthy of the calling to remain pure and enjoy the blessings of being children of God.
The Importance of Paul's Evidence
By F.F Bruce0LUK 22:27ROM 13:141CO 15:3GAL 1:13PHP 2:7F.F. Bruce delves into the life and conversion of the apostle Paul, a Roman citizen of Jewish birth who zealously persecuted early Christians until his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus transformed him into a chief herald of the Christian faith. Paul's conversion has been considered a powerful evidence for the truth of Christianity. Through Paul's Epistles, we gain insight into the early apostolic preaching about Jesus, emphasizing His divine preexistence, humanity, crucifixion, burial, resurrection, and appearances to many eyewitnesses.
Day 37, Acts 9
By David Servant0MAT 25:31ACT 8:11CO 14:18GAL 1:131TI 1:131TI 1:15David Servant preaches about the transformation of Paul, from being the world's foremost sinner to a forgiven vessel of God's grace. Despite Paul's violent past of persecuting Christians, God showed him mercy and used him as an example of His perfect patience and forgiveness. Through Paul's testimony, we see that no one is beyond God's redemption and that His grace is available to all, no matter how sinful they may have been.
Paul's Humiliating Confession
By Thomas Reade0JER 1:17EZK 2:6MAL 2:6ACT 4:29ACT 9:1ACT 14:19ACT 26:91CO 15:92CO 11:23GAL 1:13PHP 3:41TI 1:12REV 2:4Thomas Reade preaches about Paul's humiliating confession, the opposition he faced from the Jews, his reception by the apostles in Jerusalem, and the natural energy of his character. Reade emphasizes the importance of humility in acknowledging our sins and the transforming power of God's grace in Paul's life. He highlights Paul's boldness in preaching the Gospel despite persecution and encourages believers to have unwavering faith and courage in sharing the message of salvation. Reade urges Christians to be examples in love, faith, and purity, following Paul's dedication and zeal in serving the Lord.
For Ye Have Heard of My Conversation in Time Past in the Jews’ Religion
By Martin Luther0ROM 3:20GAL 1:13GAL 1:23EPH 2:8Martin Luther emphasizes the transformation that comes from encountering Christ, using Paul's personal testimony as an example. Paul, once a zealous defender of the Pharisaic traditions, shares how he abandoned his former ways after realizing the insufficiency of righteousness through the Law. Luther highlights the radical change in Paul's life, from persecuting the church to becoming a fervent follower of Christ, illustrating the power of God's grace to transform even the most hardened hearts. The sermon underscores the importance of recognizing our own inadequacy in achieving righteousness and the necessity of relying on God's grace for true transformation and salvation.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Ye have heard of my conversation - Την εμην αναστροφην· My manner of life; the mode in which I conducted myself. Beyond measure I persecuted the Church - For proofs of this the reader is referred to Act 9:1-2 (note); Act 22:4 (note), and the notes there. The apostle tells them that they had heard this, because, being Jews, they were acquainted with what had taken place in Judea, relative to these important transactions.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
heard--even before I came among you. conversation--"my former way of life." Jews' religion--The term, "Hebrew," expresses the language; "Jew," the nationality, as distinguished from the Gentiles; "Israelite," the highest title, the religious privileges, as a member of the theocracy. the church--Here singular, marking its unity, though constituted of many particular churches, under the one Head, Christ. of God--added to mark the greatness of his sinful alienation from God (Co1 15:19). wasted--laid it waste: the opposite of "building it up."
John Gill Bible Commentary
For ye have heard of my conversation in time past,.... His manner and course of life, in his state of unregeneracy, how diametrically opposite his education and behaviour, his principles and practices, were to the Gospel; which show that he had not received it, nor was he taught it of men. This they might have heard of, either from himself, when he first preached among them, who was very free to acknowledge his former sins and errors; or from the Jews, who were scattered abroad in the several countries; and it may be, from them, who were forced to fly to strange cities, and perhaps to some in Galatia, on account of his persecution: now his life and conversation, before his conversion, were spent in the Jews' religion; or "in Judaism". He was born of Jewish parents, had a Jewish education, was brought up under a Jewish doctor, in all the peculiarities of the Jewish religion, and so could have received no hints, not in a notional way, of the truths of the Gospel; which he might have done, had he been born of Christian parents, and had had a Christian education: besides, he was brought up in the religion of the Jews, not as it was founded and established by God, but as it was corrupted by them; who had lost the true sense of the oracles of God committed to them, the true use of sacrifices, and the end of the law; had added to it a load of human traditions; placed all religion in bare doing, and taught that justification and salvation lay in the observance of the law of Moses, and the traditions of the elders: add to this, that he was brought up in the sect of the Jewish religion, Pharisaism, which was the straitest sect of it, and the most averse to Christ and his Gospel; so that he could never receive it, or have any disposition to it from hence; so far from it, that he appeals to the Galatians, as what they must have heard, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God; which he now knew, and believed to be the church of God; though then he did not, but rather a synagogue of Satan; and this he mentions, as an aggravation of his sin, under a sense of which he was humbled all his days: when he is said to persecute it "beyond measure", the meaning is not, as if there were any lawful measure, or due bounds of persecution, but that he persecuted the saints in a most violent and outrageous manner, beyond all others that were concerned with him: the church of God at Jerusalem is particularly designed, and the members of it, the disciples of Christ; whom he hated, and committed to prison, and breathed out threatenings and slaughter against, and destroyed: wherefore it follows, and wasted it; or destroyed it; as much as in him lay, he sought to do it, though he was not able to effect it entirely; he made havoc of it, dispersed its members, caused them to flee to strange cities, persecuted them to death, gave his voice against them to have them punished and put to death: such an aversion had he to the followers of Christ, and the Christian doctrine.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:13-14 To prove that his message did not come from human reason (1:11), Paul describes what he was like before he encountered Christ: He was a highly successful Jew (see Acts 8:1-3; 22:1-5; 26:4-5; Phil 3:4-7). His antagonism to God’s church and strict adherence to Judaism demonstrated his faith in the law before Christ confronted him (Gal 1:15-16).