Galatians 1:16-20
Summary for Gal 1:16-20: 1:16b-20 a Paul was taught by the Lord directly and did not ... consult with any human being, even the other apostles. Paul was independent from the other apostles yet in harmony with them (2:1-10 b).1:17 c those who were apostles before I was: Paul put his own apostleship in the same category as the original disciples (see 1 Cor 9:1 d; 15:5-9 e; cp. Acts 1:22 f; 10:41 g).
• Paul’s trip to Arabia is not mentioned elsewhere; his understanding of the Good News was apparently formed during that time. Paul knew the Scriptures (see Acts 22:3 h), the claims of the first Christians (see Acts 8:1 i), and what others had told him since his conversion.
Summary for Gal 1:18-20: 1:18-20 j Peter and James had fifteen days to talk with Paul about his message, which was clearly in harmony with theirs. Paul did not receive a commission from the Jerusalem church—his apostleship did not derive from Jerusalem. 1:18 k three years later (or in the third year): Either three years after Paul’s conversion or after his return from Arabia. This event is probably the visit recorded in Acts 9:26-30 l.
• to get to know Peter: Peter had something Paul did not: deep personal acquaintance with Jesus during Jesus’ earthly ministry.
• Fifteen days was much too short a time for Paul to become dependent on Peter as his mentor, but plenty of time for the content of each man’s preaching to be thoroughly discussed.
1:20 m I declare before God: Paul here takes an oath to emphasize the truthfulness of his account of his trip to Jerusalem.
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