Galatians | September 14, 2025

 

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Galatians 1 - 2

11 For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man's gospel. 12 For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. 13 For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. 14 And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. 15 But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, 16 was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone; 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus. 18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and remained with him fifteen days. 19 But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord's brother. 20 (In what I am writing to you, before God, I do not lie!) 21 Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. 22 And I was still unknown in person to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. 23 They only were hearing it said, "He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy." 24 And they glorified God because of me.

1 Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along with me. 2 I went up because of a revelation and set before them (though privately before those who seemed influential) the gospel that I proclaim among the Gentiles, in order to make sure I was not running or had not run in vain.

Talk Sheet Questions

  1.  What stands out to you about Paul’s past?

  2.  Have you ever had to defend yourself? How did you prepare for that? How did you put together your defense?

  3.  Paul downplays the interaction with the Apostles. Why would he want to do that?

  4.  Paul says he was set apart before he was born but also that he persecuted the church in his adulthood. How do you reconcile these two things?

  5.  What is the result of the Gospel (good news) being preached? Share a story you have observed?

  6.  How does this story encourage you to proclaim the Gospel?

     

Prayer

Pray that God would glorify himself through the proclamation of the gospel.

 
 
Scott Reavely