King James Version

What Does Galatians 1:18 Mean?

Galatians 1:18 in the King James Version says “Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. went up: or, returned” — study this verse from Galatians chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. went up: or, returned”

Galatians 1:18 · KJV

Context

16

To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:

17

Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.

18

Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. went up: or, returned

19

But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother.

20

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

Read Galatians 1 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. "Then after three years" (epeita meta tria etē, ἔπειτα μετὰ τρία ἔτη)—Paul carefully documents timeline proving minimal contact with Jerusalem. Three years passed between conversion (Acts 9) and first Jerusalem visit (Acts 9:26-30), demonstrating his gospel wasn't learned from apostles but received independently. "I went up to Jerusalem" (anēlthon eis Hierosolyma) finally acknowledges what verse 17 denied—but only after three years of independent ministry.

"To see Peter" (historēsai Kēphan, ἱστορῆσαι Κηφᾶν) uses significant verb. Historeo ̄ (ἱστορέω) means "visit to become acquainted with, inquire of"—where we get "history." Paul wanted to meet Peter personally, learn about Jesus's earthly ministry, compare experiences. But this was fraternal consultation between equals, not student receiving instruction from master. Paul uses Peter's Aramaic name Cephas, showing familiarity and perhaps emphasizing Jewish context.

"And abode with him fifteen days" (kai epemeina pros auton hēmeras dekapente)—brief visit, not extended training. Fifteen days allowed fellowship and mutual edification but insufficient for comprehensive theological instruction. Paul's gospel was already formed; he sought confirmation, not formation. The time limitation proves he wasn't Peter's disciple.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Acts 9:26-30 describes this visit: Barnabas introduced Paul to apostles (only Peter and James according to verse 19); believers feared him initially; he debated Hellenistic Jews who tried to kill him; brethren sent him to Tarsus for safety. The Jerusalem church's initial suspicion validates Paul's point—they didn't know him. If he'd learned gospel from them, there'd be no suspicion. His sudden appearance after three years, claiming conversion and apostleship to Gentiles, would have seemed presumptuous without divine credentials. Peter's acceptance after fifteen days' fellowship confirmed Paul's gospel aligned with Jerusalem's, though Paul emphasizes he brought his gospel to Jerusalem rather than receiving theirs.

Reflection Questions

  1. What balance exists between proper respect for church leaders and confidence in your direct relationship with Christ through Scripture?
  2. What role should comparing doctrinal understanding with mature believers play in confirming truth received from God's Word?
  3. Can brief but meaningful fellowship with other believers strengthen faith without creating unhealthy dependence?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
Ἔπειτα1 of 15

“Then”

G1899

thereafter

μετὰ2 of 15

“after”

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

ἔτη3 of 15

“years”

G2094

a year

τρία4 of 15

“three”

G5140

"three"

ἀνῆλθον5 of 15

“I went up”

G424

to ascend

εἰς6 of 15

“to”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

Ἱεροσόλυμα7 of 15

“Jerusalem”

G2414

hierosolyma (i.e., jerushalaim), the capitol of palestine

ἱστορῆσαι8 of 15

“to see”

G2477

to be knowing (learned), i.e., (by implication) to visit for information (interview)

Πέτρον,9 of 15

“Peter”

G4074

a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle

καὶ10 of 15

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐπέμεινα11 of 15

“abode”

G1961

to stay over, i.e., remain (figuratively, persevere)

πρὸς12 of 15

“with”

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

αὐτὸν13 of 15

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἡμέρας14 of 15

“days”

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

δεκαπέντε15 of 15

“fifteen”

G1178

ten and five, i.e., fifteen

Study Guide

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 1:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Galatians 1:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 9:22-23Acts 22:17-18Acts 9:26-29

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in Galatians 1 →

Test Your Knowledge

Galatians 1 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterGalatians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Galatians 1 with CommentaryAll Galatians ChaptersComplete Galatians QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes