Galatians 1:11–24 (NRSV)
Read Galatians 1:11–24 on biblegateway.com
Verse 11For I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel that was proclaimed by me is not of human origin; Verse 12for I did not receive it from a human source, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. Verse 13You have heard, no doubt, of my earlier life in Judaism. I was violently persecuting the church of God and was trying to destroy it. Verse 14I advanced in Judaism beyond many among my people of the same age, for I was far more zealous for the traditions of my ancestors. Verse 15But when God, who had set me apart before I was born and called me through his grace, was pleased Verse 16to reveal his Son to me, so that I might proclaim him among the Gentiles, I did not confer with any human being, Verse 17nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were already apostles before me, but I went away at once into Arabia, and afterwards I returned to Damascus. Verse 18Then after three years I did go up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and stayed with him fifteen days; Verse 19but I did not see any other apostle except James the Lord's brother. Verse 20In what I am writing to you, before God, I do not lie! Verse 21Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia, Verse 22and I was still unknown by sight to the churches of Judea that are in Christ; Verse 23they only heard it said, "The one who formerly was persecuting us is now proclaiming the faith he once tried to destroy." Verse 24And they glorified God because of me.
Devotion
The voice of God is hard to hear when I am sure I'm doing the right thing. Paul was caught up in zealousness to do the right thing for God. He was sure that the violent persecution of Christians was the right thing to defend the traditions of his faith. Suddenly, confronted by the voice of the Lord, Paul was set free from the captivity of his own righteousness by the grace of Jesus Christ. He began to preach this divine good news and countless others began to glorify God because of the dramatic change in his life. Thanks be to God that the Lord will interrupt me when I am caught up in my own ideas of right and wrong. When I listen, God's word resounds of grace that doesn't condemn others but can bring us all to a common reliance on Christ's righteousness alone.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, your voice calls me to new life today. Set me free to share the good news of Jesus so that others may see your grace in action and praise you with hope. Amen.