Paul's Conversion and Independence

13

For you 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.

14

And I made progress in the Jew's religion above many of my equals in my own nation, being more abundantly zealous for the traditions of my fathers.

15

But when it pleased him who separated me from my mother's womb and called me by his grace,

16

To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the Gentiles: immediately I condescended not to flesh and blood.

17

Neither went I to Jerusalem, to the apostles who were before me: but I went into Arabia, and again I returned to Damascus.

18

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

19

But other of the apostles I saw none, saving James the brother of the Lord.

20

Now the things which I write to you, behold, before God, I lie not.

21

Afterwards, I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia.

22

And I was unknown by face to the churches of Judea, which were in Christ:

23

But they had heard only: He, who persecuted us in times past doth now preach the faith which once he impugned.

24

And they glorified God in me.