Galatians: The Life I Now LiveSample

After the thanksgiving (but in this case, astonishment) section of an epistle, some biographical information would typically follow. Here Paul takes the opportunity to continue defending his ministry. As we look at Paul’s life, let’s celebrate a gospel-transformed life! In the next chapter, he will return to the issue of his message. 

At the same time, there is an important question to answer: is Paul’s ministry trustworthy? This is important because thirteen books in our New Testament were written by him. If Paul got it wrong, or was imbalanced in his teaching, then we need to know. If Paul was a true apostle, then we can read his letters with confidence because they are God’s word. 

The false teachers who followed Paul around southern Galatia attacked his status as an apostle. They probably acknowledged that he was an apostle, but only a deputy apostle. The real apostles were the twelve in Jerusalem. Perhaps these had sent Paul out, but on the way to Turkey had he dropped half of their message out of his pocket? 

In verses 11–17 Paul makes the source of his ministry clear. It was not from an apostolic seminar in Jerusalem, but by a revelation of Christ Himself. Paul had been a rising star in Judaism, a terrorist campaigning against the followers of Jesus. But God, by His grace, called Paul and revealed Jesus to him. He wanted to make Paul a preacher. Paul did not rush to Jerusalem, but to the desert of Arabia – he needed time to rethink everything he thought he knew! 

Paul was called, not by men, but by God; he was trained not by men, but by God; he was sent not by men, but by God. Paul could be fully trusted as an apostle. 

In verses 18–24 Paul continues his story. After three years he did pop up to Jerusalem for a visit and stayed a couple of weeks. He met only two apostles. After that, he left the region. The believers in Jerusalem only heard rumours but to the effect: ‘The terrorist is transformed and is now preaching the faith!’ 

The Judean churches were all of a twitter. God’s grace had transformed Paul, and now God was being glorified. Paul’s ministry could be trusted because he was transformed: called, trained and sent by God. 

Reflection

What is the greatest gospel life-transformation story you know? Thank God for the transformation of Paul and the letters we have as a result!