There are three years, or most of three years anyway, that form a “gap” in Paul’s early ministry. As far as constructing any kind of timeline is concerned.
And they focus on a location, looks like to me.
“Arabia.”
Here’s the background, Paul’s personal testimony: “But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but BY THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST. For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: and profited in the Jews’ religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers. But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace, to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I WENT INTO ARABIA, and returned again unto Damascus. Then AFTER THREE YEARS I went up to Jerusalem …” Galatians 1:11-18
After a short time in Damascus, right after Paul’s conversion, he was driven from the city by threat of persecution (even possible death) and reports … “I went into Arabia,” a not too distant desert area! Likely south of Damascus, I am told.
And since Damascus was so dangerous to the Apostle, he probably invested most of the specified “three years” in that solitary place! Before temporarily returning to Damascus, that is.
Remember, Moses spent time in the desert, prior to his life’s work!
So did Elijah, having suddenly appeared to wicked King Ahab “out of the desert!”
And John the Baptist, too!
But WHY would Paul go away like that?
I think the key “hint” is found in this clause from our Text: “Immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood.” No man taught Paul the basics of Christianity!
Even including the Disciples of Jesus! “Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me.” Wow!
Then … how did Paul become so “grounded” in the Faith?
I call it his three years (or nearly that long) in the “Theological Seminary of God the Holy Ghost!”
He himself just said, Paul did, that he learned more of God “by revelation” than in any other way! Speaking of the Gospel, Paul writes: “I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the REVELATION of Jesus Christ.” And I personally believe that “revelation” occurred, or much of it, over those three critical years in he barrenness of Arabia! (The Greek word “revelation” used here literally means “unveiling!”)
Then, after Paul has learned from Jesus Himself … he goes to Jerusalem. To see the Disciples, but that’s Monday’s Lesson, the Lord willing.
Paul, schooled in Judaism at the feet of Gamaliel, in Jerusalem.
Paul, schooled in his new faith in Jesus by God the Holy Spirit, somewhere in the unknown regions of a Middle Eastern desert!
Wow!
— Dr. Mike Bagwell