And they praised God because of me.
Summary: How we live determines how we are remembered.
Continue reading “Galatians 1:24 – Epitaph”Galatians 1: 22-23 – Nuts
I was personally unknown to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. They only heard the report: “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.”
Summary: Life is complicated, and so is the Bible. Sometimes, it helps to simplify things. Hopefully, a simple explanation using a peanut will help us see the value of this passage.
Continue reading “Galatians 1: 22-23 – Nuts”Galatians 1:21 – Timelines
Then I went to Syria and Cilicia.
Summary: The story Paul tells about his travels sounds different than the story Luke tells us about Paul. When we consider how people tell stories, the differences disappear, and a more detailed picture emerges.
Continue reading “Galatians 1:21 – Timelines”Galatians 1:20 – The Line (Part II)
I assure you before God that what I am writing you is no lie.
Summary: We take a second look at truth-telling and telling lies.
Continue reading “Galatians 1:20 – The Line (Part II)”Galatians 1:20 – The Line
I assure you before God that what I am writing you is no lie.
Summary: Paul’s affirmation of truth is a statement that triggers a lot of questions. How do we know Paul is telling the truth?
Continue reading “Galatians 1:20 – The Line”Galatians 1:19 – Checking In
I saw none of the other apostles—only James, the Lord’s brother.
Summary: Paul gives us a brief glimpse of his visit to Jerusalem after his conversion.
Continue reading “Galatians 1:19 – Checking In”Galatians 1:18 – Peter & Paul
Then after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Cephas and stayed with him fifteen days.
Summary: Paul tells us about an event that validates his message from Jesus.
Continue reading “Galatians 1:18 – Peter & Paul”Galatians 1:17 – God is Amazing!
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.
Summary: God’s plan for his new church did not include leaving detailed instructions for people to follow. Instead, God chose people who would listen and obey.
Continue reading “Galatians 1:17 – God is Amazing!”Galatians 1:16c – Choosing Jesus
… my immediate response was not to consult any human being.
Summary: There comes a time in most people’s lives when we have to make a choice. Who are we going to serve? Who are we going to follow? The ultimate choice is choosing between personal pride and submitting to God.
Continue reading “Galatians 1:16c – Choosing Jesus”Galatians 1:16b – One-Eighty
… so that I might preach him among the Gentiles,
Summary: Change can be good, but it is always change, and change requires that we let go of the old and embrace the new.
Continue reading “Galatians 1:16b – One-Eighty”