Thursday 20 March 2025
But when God, who had set me apart before I was born and called me through his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, so that I might proclaim him among the Gentiles, I did not confer with any human being. (vs 15-16)
Background
Our readings over the next couple of days contain the most detailed biographical details we have of Paul’s life. Paul doesn’t give this out of any sense that the hearers of the letter might be interested in his life story. Indeed, it is likely that the churches in Galatia would have already been familiar with his story. Instead, his purpose is to reiterate the point that the message he was preaching was not of human origin – it did not come either from himself or from someone else, but from God alone.
He sets the scene by outlining how zealous he was in his life before his encounter with Christ. Zeal is far more than a commitment to a particular religion. It can lead to violence against any who oppose the particular interpretation of the zealots. This is something we see in Paul’s own life when he witnessed the stoning of Stephen. (Acts 7:54-8:3)
These days, we may be tempted to speak of Paul’s conversion experience when he encountered Christ on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-19). However, it isn’t clear whether Paul would have used such language. At the time there weren’t separate religions called 'Christianity' and 'Judaism'. Instead, Paul speaks of it as a new revelation of God (Galatians 1:15-16) that abruptly alters his understanding of Scripture and gives him a new mission to pursue.
Despite this dramatic change in belief, Paul wants to be clear that he didn’t take instruction from anyone, even the pillars of the Church in Jerusalem – Peter and James. The revelation from God was enough. His visit to Peter ('Cephas' in v. 18) seems from his explanation to be an entirely personal trip and he is not beholden to any other apostle for his ministry. He speaks of being set apart by God from before he was born, putting him on a level with some of the Old Testament prophets (for example see Jeremiah 1:5).
He ends this passage by speaking of the rejoicing that happened when the Jewish Church heard that the one who used to persecute them was now preaching the faith of Christ. Even those who no doubt had formerly been hostile towards him were now accepting his calling.
To Ponder:
- Are there particular moments that you remember as times of receiving an experience of God’s grace?
- Are there people you think about who helped you discover more of God’s grace? What was special about them?
Prayer
God who is the same yesterday, today and forever, bless the memories we have of past experiences of you, but may we also look for other moments of encounter in the future. Amen.
Bible notes author: The Revd Will Fletcher
Will Fletcher is a presbyter in the Central Sussex United Area. Alongside his church duties, Will is the Ecumenical Officer for the Sussex part of the South-East District. He is married to Helen and they have one son. When not working, Will makes up part of the bass section of Patcham Silver Band.