Galatians 1:23
But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed.
Galatians 1:23 (KJV)
Context
Paul is defending his apostleship and the divine origin of his gospel. He insists that his message came not from human sources but directly from Jesus Christ and God the Father (Galatians 1:1, 11-12). In verses 13-14, he recalls his former life as a zealous persecutor of the church, advancing in Judaism beyond many of his contemporaries. Then, in verse 15, he explains that God set him apart from his mother’s womb and called him by grace.
The verse reports what the churches of Judea heard about Paul. They knew him only by hearsay, having never seen him personally (Galatians 1:22). Their report focused on the dramatic change in his life: the one who once persecuted the church now preaches the faith he once tried to destroy.
Meaning
The phrase “But they had heard only” indicates that these believers knew of Paul’s transformation through the testimony of others, not through direct contact. The report itself, “That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed,” highlights the stark contrast between his past and present. “The faith” refers to the Christian faith, the body of doctrine and belief in Christ. Paul’s persecution had been violent; he made havoc of the church (Acts 8:3). Now he proclaimed the very message he had sought to silence.
This transformation underscores the power of God’s grace. It shows that God can change even the most hostile opponent into a preacher of the gospel. The churches glorified God because of Paul (Galatians 1:24), recognizing that such a change could only be the work of God.
Biblical connections
The verse connects directly to Paul’s testimony in Acts, where his conversion and subsequent preaching are recorded (Acts 9:1-2, 20-22). It also echoes the broader biblical theme that God’s purposes are not hindered by human opposition; He can turn a persecutor into a proclaimer.
Application
Paul’s story reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. The same power that transformed a persecutor into an apostle is available to change hearts today. It also encourages believers to see the potential in unlikely people, knowing that God can use anyone for His purposes.
Reflection
How does the report of Paul’s transformation challenge our assumptions about who can be saved or used by God? The gospel’s advance does not depend on human strength but on the grace of God, who delights to work through the most unexpected lives.
