Galatians 1:18

Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days.

Galatians 1:18 (KJV)

Context

The book of Galatians is a letter written by the apostle Paul to the churches in Galatia. In this letter, Paul addresses false teachings that had infiltrated the churches and were leading the Galatians astray from the true gospel of grace. In the preceding verses, Paul establishes his apostleship and the authenticity of the gospel he preached, insisting that it came by revelation from Jesus Christ rather than from any human source.

Meaning

In Galatians 1:18, Paul recounts his journey to Jerusalem three years after his conversion. The Greek word translated “to see” (historēsai) means to visit for the purpose of getting to know someone, not merely to catch a glimpse of them. Paul’s purpose was to become personally acquainted with Peter, also called Cephas, the prominent apostle and eyewitness of Jesus’ ministry. This chronology is significant because it emphasizes the independence of Paul’s apostleship from the other apostles: he did not receive his gospel from them, yet he still sought fellowship with Peter. The fifteen-day stay was relatively brief, suggesting that Paul did not receive extensive instruction from Peter but rather a personal introduction and fellowship. This visit demonstrates Paul’s respect for Peter’s leadership and the unity of the early church.

Biblical connections

This verse is part of Paul’s autobiographical defense of his apostolic authority, which he presents to counter false teachers who questioned his credentials. The immediate context stresses that Paul’s gospel was revealed by Jesus Christ, not taught by men. The reference to Peter as Cephas connects to John 1:42, where Jesus names Simon as Cephas, meaning Peter, showing the continuity of the apostolic witness. The timing, “after three years,” refers to three years after Paul’s conversion on the road to Damascus, as recorded in Acts 9.

Application

This verse highlights the importance of unity and fellowship among believers. Paul’s visit to Peter underscores the importance of maintaining doctrinal integrity and ensuring that the teachings of the gospel remain consistent. It also emphasizes the significance of seeking guidance and affirmation from more experienced believers. As believers, we can draw several lessons from Galatians 1:18. It reminds us to prioritise unity and fellowship within the body of Christ. We should be open to learning from one another, seeking guidance from mature believers, and ensuring that our understanding of the gospel aligns with the teachings of Scripture. Furthermore, this verse encourages us to maintain the integrity of our faith and to stand firm in the truth, even when faced with false teachings or challenges.

Reflection

Galatians 1:18 provides insight into Paul’s visit to Jerusalem to meet with Peter, highlighting the importance of unity, doctrinal integrity, and seeking guidance from other believers. Even when our calling comes directly from God, we still benefit from the fellowship and confirmation of the wider Christian community.