Paul had been saved three whole years … before he ever laid eyes on any of Jesus’ Disciples! Peter or Matthew or Thomas, or any of the others! The (yet to become) great Apostle did NOT learn the basics of Christianity from them! But apparently, directly from Jesus! Via the Holy Spirit of God! Via those years alone in Arabia!

Wow!

But now today’s Text adds: “Then after three years I (Paul) went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord’s brother.” Galatians 1:18-19

What informative autobiography!

What character revealing lines!

But why Peter?

Because he had become the “spokesman” for the original Apostles/Disciples, maybe. Sort of a “leader?” (Though never a dictator or “Pope!”)

Then again maybe because Peter had been among the first (excluding the ladies) of Jesus’ first followers to know Christ’s True Identity! As in Matthew 16:16 here: “And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Wow!

So … for two weeks and a day Paul and Peter invested time together, discussing (no doubt) the Things of our Lord! His Life, earthly and heavenly! (Comparing notes, so to speak!)

I doubt Paul learned much new information, really. But he sure did get further confirmation on a number of issues, or so I suspect. Then again maybe Paul was confirming Peter on some things!

Why did Paul not see any of the other Disciples, the other ten? My guess is that they were all gone, away, preaching the Gospel of our Lord Jesus in other places.

Remember, persecution had scattered them, God-sent persecution! (We know the rank and file were scattered like that! I am suggesting maybe even the Apostles later, as the “heat” intensified. And it sure did! “And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.” Acts 8:1, remember, I said “later” for the Twelve.

Anyway, Paul and Peter!

Opposites have again attracted!

A fifteen day Bible Conference!

Paul still learning about Jesus, maybe by now the incidentals.

How tall was He?

The color of HIs Eyes?

His manner with the children?

Did you ever see Him angry?

Describe His Resurrection Body, best you can, Peter.

“It was so aglow when I beheld Him, I was blinded!” So would have Paul said.

Wow again!

Then, for some reason, Paul then also met James.

This is James, the half-brother of Jesus. (Mark 6:3, speaking of Jesus … “Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.” Our Lord’s siblings!)

Half-brother? Yes, the same mother (Mary) but not the same father (Joseph)! Jesus being conceived of the Holy Spirit, the Virgin Birth miracle!

This same James, I fear, had a disruptive, negative  influence on Paul in later years. Maybe it would have been better had these two never met!

But that’s another lesson, not here or now.

Then, after those days … Paul is gone!

Off again!

Preaching God’s Word, primarily to the Gentiles … just like God had called him to do. (God’s Will for Paul, from the dear Lord’s mouth directly to Ananias: “For he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel.” Note the order, Gentiles first, Acts 9:15.)

Preach, Paul, preach!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

And so he did, for decades!

Until … near the end of his life … he could confidently (yet humbly) say: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7, in other words, essentially: “I have preached the Word!”

 

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

 

Paul, at least in his Epistle to the Galatians, his autobiography there, tells how he “met” the Lord Jesus Christ, how the Saviour was “revealed” to him (how he was “saved”) … “that he might preach Him (Jesus) among the heathen.”

Here’s this clause in a bit of context. “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 (GENTILES); immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood. Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but …” Galatians 1:15-17

The astounding thing to me is that it appears Paul was “called” to preach … almost immediately after his “conversion!” I am not saying Paul began a full-fledged ministry with no time of preparation and maturity. Not at all! He was taught of God several years (seems to me) before launching into “fill-time” evangelization! But we will learn of that tomorrow, Lord willing.

In fact, only three days into Paul’s Christian life, a godly man named Ananias was commissioned of God to go tell Paul some things. Let’s read that account: “And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, and hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: and here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, TO BEAR MY NAME BEFORE THE GENTILES, AND KINGS, AND THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL …” Acts 9:10-15, that is, “to preach!”

And preach Paul did, again … without delay!

“And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. AND STRAITWAY HE PREACHED CHRIST in the synagogues, THAT HE IS THE SON OF GOD.” Acts 9:17-20

“Called” to preach?

Yes, a heavy and assured belief that God is asking, urging one to be His servant, to declare the Scriptures! (And yes, many have rejected that Call, to their own loss! But, praise God, many have not!)

A Call, to proclaim The Word!

In fact, even stronger than that!

In Paul’s life anyway, it became a “necessity!”

Read it. 1 Corinthians 9:16 … “For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for NECESSITY is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!” Wow!

And what did Paul “think” of this “call to preach?”

“And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry.” 1 Timothy 1:14, forever grateful for that “call!”

This is the man who later wrote, partly quoting Isaiah the Prophet … “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that PREACH the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” Romans 10:13-16, beautiful!

Hallelujah!

Have you heard?

He is STILL calling Preachers!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

 

In Acts chapters 9 and 22 and 26 it is told. What dramatically happened to Paul on the “Damascus Road” that epochal day long ago.

But in the Epistle to Galatians, though in shortened form, Paul tells it “in his own words.”

“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 …” Galatians 1:15-16a

It was God’s “pleasure” to save Paul!

The verb “pleased” is “eudokeo,” simply meaning “to esteem or think upon something” but always “with delight!”

I personally believe God is pleased with the salvation of every soul who trusts in Jesus’ Shed Blood! (Based partly on Ezekiel 33:11 … “Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live.”)

God was also “in charge” of Paul’s birth, physically speaking! He speaks of “God, who separated me from my mother’s womb.” Wow, God as Midwife!

Psalm 139 suggests that God “builds” every little human body, when he or she is still in the womb! One lexicon says of “separated” (in Greek “aphorizo”) “to mark off from others by boundaries.” Paul was “special” to God, even from birth! (Think of Jeremiah here too. “Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.” Jeremiah 1:4-5, yes, pretty “special!”)

Astounding!

Then comes (immediately in the sentence, out Text) Paul’s second birth!

God … “called me by his grace.”

Just five words in English, the same in Greek for that matter … and the world is changed forever!

Paul the persecutor becomes Paul the Apostle!

Yes, God “calls” (“kaleo”) unto salvation.

Via His Holy Spirit.

We often refer to this phenomenon as “conviction!”

Which, when faith in Jesus is exercised, leads to “conversion!”

No further details here, in Galatians.

No emphasis even on Paul’s response, which was vital in the exchange!

“Who are Thou, Lord?”

As in Luke’s account of the event: “And as he (Paul) journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: and he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” Acts 9:3-6

Oh yes … Faith!

“For by grace are ye saved through faith.” Ephesians 2:8

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” Acts 16:31

“Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:13

Jesus now: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” John 5:24

Yes Brother Paul, we understand: “God called you by His grace!”

Then in today’s Text Paul even tells us WHY God saved him. Or at least part of the reason, a main part I suspect! The answer is twofold: “To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen.”

To show (“to reveal” is “apokalupto” meaning “to unveil”) JESUS to Paul!

Then to show (via “preaching,” the Greek word “evangelizing”) JESUS to the world, the lost world!

I’d say both goals were gloriously achieved!

God saves us to serve Him!

Wonderful!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

More tomorrow, the Lord willing.

 

Grandma Green used to say, “The cream always rises to the top!”

That’s true I guess, when one is churning better! Anyone remember those days?

But it is also true in human personality, human endeavor, in the character of a man or woman.

If that is so … Paul (really Saul of Tarsus back then) was “the best of the best” in nearly all he did!

Even as a lost man he could truthfully report: “And (I, Paul) profited in the Jews’ religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.” Galatians 1:14, today’s Text.

Wow!

I love that first verb!

“Profited” translates the Greek “prokopto.” It’s a blend, with “kopto” meaning “to cut, strike, smite” something. And “pro” meaning “before” one’s face. In other words, “cutting a path in front of you!” Being a “leader!” Being a “trailblazer!” Way ahead of the pack!

Wow!

And here Paul uses this verb, builds it as an “imperfect indicative.” It’s both a “fact,” what he is saying … and it is an action that he has correctly reported as having happened in the past, but it is yet in effect. He is still cutting roads for others to follow!

The “Jews’ religion” is one Greek word, as Paul wrote it anyway. Spelled “Ioudaismos,” it translates something like this, “Judaism.” Proof that Paul, no  matter what anyone says, departed from his former religion, when he got saved!

He is now a GRACE Preacher, not a LAW Preacher!

But Paul puts his Jewish religious history in perspective for us now. “I profited (excelled) in the Jews’ religion above many my equals in mine own nation.” Above my “peers,” he is claiming! The noun “equals” is “sunelikiotes,” anyone “in my age group!” Anyone who would have been contemporary with the future Apostle! He outpaced them all! And he is telling us so!

Even to this extent: “I Paul being more exceedingly zealous” than they ever were! Here the phrase “more exceedingly zealous” combines an adverb and a noun to declare Paul’s supremacy in diligence, enthusiasm, work-ethic, and even vehemence! In pursuing his fathers’ religion!

Wow!

Almost an “overachiever!”

“Obsessed” with the things of the Law of Moses!

Why is Paul so uncharacteristically saying these things?

Because his Galatian Christians are being threatened at that very moment by men who were nearly as ardent followers of Judaism (the Law of Moses) as was Paul!

But Paul “saw the light!”

He turned from the deadness of the Law (apart from the Holy Spirit) and found Jesus Christ the Lord! Trusting Him as God’s Son, as personal Saviour!

Maybe these very strong words of Paul’s will “impact” the new Believers in the Galatians Churches! Talk some “sense” into their heads!

What did Paul so “love” about the Jews’ religion?

It’s their “traditions!”

Or so he says here. “Being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.” But, what are they, “traditions?”

The noun is “paradosis,” meaning “things that have been handed down” from generation to generation, fathers to sons, for centuries! Literally … things given you to keep with diligence, to place beside you all your life! Never to forsake!

This could include their view of the Scriptures, the Writings of Moses, the Law, the Pentateuch (Genesis through Deuteronomy). For that matter, the rest of the Old Testament as well. But with their slant on it!

Man’s view of what God says!

Then one day, Paul met Jesus!

Jesus who topped Moses by a million miles!

Jesus Who brought GRACE, whereas Moses only brought LAW!

And Paul “converted!”

John 1:17 factually preaches this: “For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.”

Hallelujah!

By the way, this nearly unparalleled “eagerness” Paul brought to his false religion … is certainly parallel to the “diligence” he brought to his new, better Jesus Religion!

He became an “achiever” for Jesus’ Sake!

An “outlier,” maybe the greatest Christian who has ever lived, to this point anyway!

That “on fire” for Jesus!

He could truthfully say: “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:20, Paul’s very life was “hid with Christ in God.” So he says in Colossians 3:3.

Amazing!

What a Christian, became Paul the Apostle!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell