GAL 1:13 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 Jews of my own age and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers. 15 But when God, who set me apart from birth and called me by his grace, was pleased 16 to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not consult any man, 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went immediately into Arabia and later returned to Damascus.
a. Paul is recalling this information not just to prove a point, but to remind them of the time he spent with them, and they joy they had at his message. He is reminding them of the conviction they felt of the truth, and how they received the Spirit. His own testimony must have been very moving to them at the time, as it was clear to all that he was suffering greatly for his newfound faith and had left a promising career in Judaism in order to preach, making tents to pay for his costs.
b. some see in Paul's life the idea that he was a part of the Sanhedrin. Because of this some speculate that Paul was once married, and divorced, as marriage was a requirement, according to the historical understanding of some. However, Paul is careful to note here that while he was moving up in the ranks, he was still only beyond many his own age. He was not the one who commissioned papers to persecute, but the one to receive them, and the one to hold the coats of the people who stoned Stephen. Since he studied under Gamaliel and showed great promise his conversion would be giving up a big future.
c. Paul insists that while he is an apostle abnormally born this was not a new plan to God. God set him apart from birth. Paul had many unique attributes that readied him for his mission as apostle to the gentiles.
1. He was learned in Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic.
2. He was, unlike most of the Jews, a Roman citizen, having grown up in Cilicia.
3. He had training not only in the pharisaical schools but also at least some training in Greek literature as he shows in his quoting the Greek poets in Athens (Acts 17).
The times were also perfect for the spread of the gospel.
1. The Roman peace was going strong and civil authorities often were seen to protect Paul during his ministry.
2. The road system and widespread adoption of the Greek language throughout the eastern empire made travel and communication among foreign peoples far easier.
So Paul saw all of this as no coincidence. And his life work was a tremendous calling. He well remembered God telling him He had made him his chosen instrument to take the gospel to the gentiles and would show him how much he would suffer for His name.
d. Again Paul emphasizes that it was by grace in his own case that he was saved and called. Paul of all people, though having legalistic righteousness as a pharisee, was not worthy of the gospel of God having persecuted Jesus in the person of His people. So he of all people recognized that grace was the central message of the gospel.
e. Paul then gives an accounting of his whereabouts. This information in some ways is seen to conflict with that in Acts. But can be seen as simply adding to the account in there. The insertion of the time in Arabia is a new wrinkle. It is assumedly here that Paul learned the gospel by revelation that he preached in Damascus.
Here is the account in Acts:
Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. 20 At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. 21 All those who heard him were astonished and asked, "Isn't he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn't he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?" 22 Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ. AC 9:23 After many days had gone by, the Jews conspired to kill him, 24 but Saul learned of their plan. Day and night they kept close watch on the city gates in order to kill him. 25 But his followers took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall.
In one account he is said to go immediately into Arabia, and in the other to preach immediately in Damascus, following a short time, numbered in days, that he spent with the disciples there. Both in fact could be true in one sense. He may have initially spent time with the disciples, testified for a short while of his conversion, then gone to Arabia, and then RETURNED as he says in the Galatians account, to Damascus. There he preached and "grew more and more powerful" until the conspiracy against him drove him from the city.
GAL 1:18 Then after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Peter 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 Later 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.
a. Again we see the Acts account describing the same process.
AC 9:26 When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. 28 So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. 29 He talked and debated with the Grecian Jews, but they tried to kill him. 30 When the brothers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.
b. Paul adds more detail in the Galatians account once again, stating that he did not see anyone there in Jerusalem except for Peter for a short time, and James . This is again to stress that his gospel was already intact, and they did not add to it. he also omits the reference to their doubting him at first. Not because his audience was not familiar with it ,but probably because he is trying not to detract from his apostolic calling.
