How does Galatians 1:18 connect with Acts 9:26-30? Putting the Two Passages Side by Side • Galatians 1:18 – “Then three years later I went up to Jerusalem to confer with Cephas, and I stayed with him fifteen days.” • Acts 9:26-30 – Luke’s historical account of that same trip: Saul tries to join the disciples, Barnabas introduces him to the apostles, he stays, preaches boldly, then is sent off because of threats. The two references describe the same event—Paul’s very first return to Jerusalem after his Damascus conversion. The Timeline That Binds Them 1. Conversion on the Damascus road (Acts 9:3-19). 2. Immediate preaching in Damascus (Acts 9:20-22). 3. A period in Arabia and a return to Damascus (Galatians 1:17). 4. Three years pass. 5. Escape from Damascus in a basket (Acts 9:23-25; 2 Corinthians 11:32-33). 6. Arrival in Jerusalem—Galatians 1:18 and Acts 9:26-30 converge here. 7. Departure to Tarsus for safety (Acts 9:30). Details That Match • “Confer with Cephas” (Galatians 1:18) ⟶ Barnabas “brought him to the apostles” (Acts 9:27). Peter is clearly one of them. • “Stayed with him fifteen days” (Galatians 1:18) ⟶ Acts records a short but active stay, long enough for bold public preaching yet brief enough to end quickly when threats arose. • “Only other apostle I saw was James, the Lord’s brother” (Galatians 1:19, next verse) ⟶ Acts 9:27, “brought him to the apostles.” Luke mentions apostles generically; Paul specifies Peter and James. Why the Three-Year Gap Matters • Demonstrates the divine origin of Paul’s gospel—he did not rush to Jerusalem for endorsement (Galatians 1:11-12). • Confirms Acts’ historical precision: Luke shows no earlier Jerusalem meeting before this point. • Highlights Paul’s growth in isolation (Arabia, Damascus) before public recognition. Key Players and Their Roles • Cephas (Peter): primary eyewitness ensuring unity between Paul’s message and apostolic teaching (compare 1 Corinthians 15:3-5). • James: pillar of the Jerusalem church, lending further credibility. • Barnabas: mediator of acceptance; later partner on the first missionary journey (Acts 13:1-3). The Outcome in Jerusalem • Bold proclamation in the name of Jesus (Acts 9:28-29). • Immediate opposition from Hellenistic Jews; plot to kill him (Acts 9:29). • Brethren escort Paul to Caesarea and send him to Tarsus (Acts 9:30)—a forced yet providential relocation that sets the stage for later ministry (Acts 11:25-26). Doctrinal Threads Woven Through Both Texts • Revelation over tradition: Paul’s gospel came “through a revelation of Jesus Christ” (Galatians 1:12), yet it harmonizes seamlessly with apostolic eyewitness testimony (Acts 9:27). • The unity of the church: fear and suspicion are overcome by Barnabas’ testimony, displaying the body of Christ recognizing genuine conversion (1 John 4:1-2). • Suffering expected: immediate persecution affirms Jesus’ words in John 15:20—“If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well.” Practical Takeaways • Time with God precedes effective ministry—Paul’s three years prepared him for public witness. • Genuine conversions may face skepticism; patient testimony and credible witnesses (like Barnabas) help build trust. • Short seasons can yield significant impact—fifteen days in Jerusalem forged lifelong apostolic partnerships. • Opposition is not a sign of failure but often confirmation of faithful gospel proclamation. |
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