04 - Galatians 1:15-17

Bible Study Time Galatians
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:open_book: Let’s read Galatians 1:15-17 (NLT)

15 But even before I was born, God chose me and called me by his marvelous grace. Then it pleased him 16 to reveal his Son to me so that I would proclaim the Good News about Jesus to the Gentiles.

When this happened, I did not rush out to consult with any human being. 17 Nor did I go up to Jerusalem to consult with those who were apostles before I was. Instead, I went away into Arabia, and later I returned to the city of Damascus.

Verse 15

Upon reflecting on his past, Paul now understands that he was set apart before he was born to step into a specific role God has destined him to fulfill. He knows he’s nothing special, but appointed only by God’s marvelous grace.

Verses 16-17

After such a heinous career as a persecutor of Christians, God intervened in Paul’s life when He revealed Jesus before Paul’s very eyes (Acts 9:1-22). Paul’s new purpose in life was made clear in that moment: he was to preach the gospel to the Gentiles (non-Jewish people). This is what he was born to do. This is was his new commission.

Rather than running back to Jerusalem to consult the Christian teachers there, he went off by himself to Arabia and then to Damascus for three years (v. 18).

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:red_question_mark: Questions: Galatians 1:15-17

  1. Do you feel there’s one true purpose or that God gives us many purposes throughout our lives? Has God ever revealed His purposes for you?
  2. How can you tell the difference between when it’s time to learn from God alone and when it’s time to to learn from other spiritual teachers?

:thinking: Things to Think About

Would you struggle to believe or want to learn from someone who had such a dramatic conversion experience and change of heart like Paul did? Would you trust learning from someone who hasn’t had “formal” theological or religious training?

:speech_balloon: Share your thoughts on any of the questions above or add your own insights!