Galatians 1:23

But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed.

But {G1161} they had {G2258} heard {G191} only {G3440}, That {G3754} he which persecuted {G1377} us {G2248} in times past {G4218} now {G3568} preacheth {G2097} the faith {G4102} which {G3739} once {G4218} he destroyed {G4199}.

they were only hearing the report, “The one who used to persecute us now preaches the Good News of the faith he was formerly out to destroy”;

They only heard the account: “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.”

but they only heard say, He that once persecuted us now preacheth the faith of which he once made havoc;

Commentary

Context

This verse is part of the opening chapter of Paul's letter to the churches in Galatia. Paul is vigorously defending the divine origin of the gospel he preaches and his own apostleship, which some were questioning. After recounting his dramatic conversion experience and emphasizing that he did not immediately consult with human authorities in Jerusalem but spent time in Arabia and Damascus, he mentions a later brief visit to Jerusalem. This verse describes what the churches in Judea, who had not met him personally during this early period, had heard about him.

Key Themes

  • Radical Transformation: The stark contrast between Paul's past ("persecuted us," "destroyed") and present ("now preacheth the faith") highlights the incredible power of God's grace to completely change a life.
  • Authenticity of Paul's Ministry: His notorious past as a persecutor served as powerful, unexpected evidence to others that his conversion and preaching were truly from God, not a calculated move or human training.
  • The Power of the Gospel: The message of Christ is shown to be potent enough to not only save individuals but to turn a bitter enemy into its most fervent advocate.
  • God's Amazing Grace: This verse is a testament to the depth of God's mercy, extended even to someone actively working to destroy His church.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "persecuted" (διώκω - diōkō) implies pursuing with hostile intent, harassing, and even trying to injure or destroy. The word for "destroyed" (πορθέω - portheō) means to ravage, plunder, or devastate, indicating the severity of Paul's actions against the church. The phrase "preacheth the faith" uses εὐαγγελίζομαι (euangelizomai), meaning to proclaim good news or evangelize, emphasizing that he was now actively building up what he once tore down.

Related Scriptures

This verse summarizes the remarkable turnaround in Saul's life. For details on his intense persecution activities, see Acts 8:3 and Acts 9:1. The account of his conversion on the road to Damascus is found in Acts 9:3-6. Paul himself later reflects on the depth of God's grace shown to him, the "chief of sinners," in 1 Timothy 1:13-16.

Reflection

Galatians 1:23 offers a powerful reminder that no one is beyond the reach of God's saving grace. The news that the notorious persecutor was now proclaiming the very faith he sought to eradicate was a source of amazement and glorifying of God among the believers. It demonstrates that a life transformed by Christ is perhaps the most compelling testimony to the truth and power of the gospel. This should encourage us that God can work in anyone's life and that our own changed lives can be a powerful witness to others.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Corinthians 15:8

    And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:10

    But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which [was bestowed] upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

  • Acts 9:13

    Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:

  • 1 Timothy 1:13

    Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did [it] ignorantly in unbelief.

  • 1 Timothy 1:16

    Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.

  • Acts 9:20

    And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.

  • Acts 9:26

    And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.
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