King James Version

What Does Galatians 1:13 Mean?

“For ye 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:”

Context

But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.

For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.

For ye 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:

And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers. equals: Gr. equals in years

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

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(13, 14) Proof that the doctrine of the Apostle is derived from God and not from man, in that it could not be accounted for by his antecedents and education, all of which told *against,* rather than *for,* a Christian belief of any kind. (13) **Ye have heard.**—Rather, *ye heard.* It was indeed notorious; but the Apostle may be referring to the fact that he himself usually (see Acts 22:3-21; Acts 26:4-20; 1Corinthians 15:8-10) brought his own career and experiences into his preaching, so that they may have heard it from his own lips. **My conversation . . . in the Jews’ religion.**—How I behaved in the days of my Judaism. The phrase “Jews’ religion” (literally, *Judaism*) is not used with any sense of disparagement. **Wasted it.**—The same word is translated “destroyed” in Acts 9:21 : “Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name?”

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Galatians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Galatians 1:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.