Galatians 1:18-24 — Wait, sorry, YOU believe in Jesus?!?!

READ THIS: Galatians 1:18-24

18 Then after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Cephas and stayed with him fifteen days. 19 I saw none of the other apostles—only James, the Lord’s brother. 20 I assure you before God that what I am writing you is no lie.  21 Then I went to Syria and Cilicia. 22 I was personally unknown to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. 23 They only heard the report: “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” 24 And they praised God because of me.
 
WHAT’S THIS MEAN, ANYWAY?

Verses 18-20 are pretty similar to what we learned yesterday! If that is tripping you up, flip back to yesterday's reading! The rest of the passage is saying that Paul went on to continue preaching, and, even in a place he wasn't known personally, his story helped people praise God! 

To help understand verses 23-24, imagine a person who actively makes fun of Christians and rolls their eyes at the Bible. Now imagine that person comes up to you and says, "Hey, Jesus loves you, and the Bible changed me life!" That's pretty much the TV-G version of Paul's story...so that's why churches who didn't even know him were praising God! It HAD to be God working a miracle if someone like Paul totally changed his mind and heart!

THINK ABOUT IT:

1. What do you think Paul's point was when he said that he didn't talk to any apostles (except for James -yes, that James) before he went around telling people about Jesus? (see v19)

2. Is there someone you lowkey think could never believe in Jesus?

 
TRY THIS:

Like yesterday, spend two minutes praying to God! But ~today~ try to ask God to show up in an incredible way in the life of the person you thought of when you read question 2!

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