What scriptural examples show similar transformations as seen in Galatians 1:23? Galatians 1:23 in Focus “They only heard the report: ‘The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.’” (Galatians 1:23) From Opponent to Advocate: Paul Sets the Pattern • Saul hunts believers (Acts 8:3). • Christ confronts him (Acts 9:3-6). • He “immediately” proclaims Jesus (Acts 9:20). • Churches glorify God because of him (Galatians 1:24). Echoes of Radical Reversal Throughout Scripture • Peter: Denier to Proclaimer – “I do not know Him!” (Luke 22:57). – “But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice” (Acts 2:14-41). • James, the Lord’s Brother: Skeptic to Church Pillar – “For not even His brothers believed in Him.” (John 7:5). – Later called a “pillar” (Galatians 2:9) and presides at Jerusalem Council (Acts 15:13-21). • Manasseh: Idol-Maker to Worshiper – “He did much evil in the sight of the LORD.” (2 Chronicles 33:6). – Humbled in captivity, “then Manasseh knew that the LORD is God.” (33:13) and rebuilt the altar (33:16). • The Philippian Jailer: Keeper of Chains to Brother in Christ – Imprisons Paul and Silas (Acts 16:23-24). – Washes their wounds, is baptized the same night (16:33-34). • Zacchaeus: Exploiter to Restorer – Chief tax collector, “was rich.” (Luke 19:2). – “Behold, Lord, half of my possessions I give to the poor.” (19:8). • The Gerasene Demoniac: Terrorizer to Messenger – “No one could bind him.” (Mark 5:3-4). – “Go home to your own people and tell them…” (5:19); he proclaims in Decapolis (5:20). • Rahab: Enemy Ally to Ancestor of Messiah – Hides the spies though living in Jericho (Joshua 2). – “By faith Rahab… was not destroyed.” (Hebrews 11:31); listed in Messiah’s lineage (Matthew 1:5). • Priests in Jerusalem: Opponents to Obedient Disciples – Many priests had challenged Jesus. – “A great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.” (Acts 6:7). Threads That Tie These Stories Together • Encounter with God’s truth shatters old loyalties. • Repentance is immediate, visible, and costly. • New allegiance always moves outward—testifying, serving, rebuilding. • The change glorifies God and strengthens believers (Galatians 1:24; Acts 9:31). Living the Lesson The same Savior who flipped persecutor to preacher still turns deniers, skeptics, idolaters, exploiters, and the hostile into heralds of His grace. No past is too dark for His transforming light. |
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