Galatians 1:13-17 — Ongoing People vs Jesus Debate

READ THIS: Galatians 1:13-17

13 For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. 14 I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers. 15 But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace, was pleased 16 to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, my immediate response was not to consult any human being. 17 I did not go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went into Arabia. Later I returned to Damascus.
 
WHAT’S THIS MEAN, ANYWAY?

Paul is continuing to explain how he didn't listen to people, but instead he listened to God! It's awesome when we hear from people about Jesus, but it's even more astonishing to people when we hear about Jesus from Jesus Himself. Paul is trying to say that he wasn't won over to Jesus because of people, but because of Jesus Himself. 

Let's review the story of Paul, which he explains in our verses today. Paul was an incredibly smart dude who was a Pharisee, one of the most respected teachers of his day (think like Harvard professor but of Jewish law). As a Pharisee, Paul hated people who followed Jesus because he thought they were breaking the Jewish law, so he went out of his way to persecute them and throw them in prison. But then, one day, as he was walking down a road to go persecute more Christians, Jesus Himself appeared in a blinding light and asked why Paul was persecuting Him. After that, Paul went out to Arabia for three years, either preaching or praying. So, the basic point here is: Paul was inspired by Jesus, not people. (Remember Galatians 1:10).

THINK ABOUT IT:

1. Is there something that you can think of that you have done for Jesus, and Jesus only?

2. Do you think doing something for Jesus requires that you not talk to other people about it?

 
TRY THIS:

Spend two minutes praying to God. Try asking Him to give you an opportunity to serve only Him today!

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