What is the meaning of Galatians 1:24? And • The word signals continuity, tying verse 24 to Paul’s testimony in Galatians 1:22-23: “I was personally unknown to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. They only heard the report: ‘The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.’” • It reminds us that God loves to finish what He starts (Philippians 1:6), linking Paul’s past with his present. • Just as Acts 9:26-31 records Paul being welcomed in Judea after his conversion, the “and” shows the natural outcome of a redeemed life—praise rising to God. they • “They” refers to the Judean believers (Galatians 1:22). • These were people who once feared Paul’s persecution but now observed his transformation. • Their response mirrors the early church’s reaction when Peter explained Cornelius’s conversion: “When they heard this, they quieted down and glorified God” (Acts 11:18). • Ordinary Christians, not just apostles, are celebrating—proof that every believer can recognize God’s handiwork. glorified God • To glorify God is to give Him public credit for His mighty works. • Examples: – After the healing of the crippled beggar, “all the people glorified God” (Acts 4:21). – When the blind man was healed, “he followed Jesus, glorifying God” (Luke 18:43). • The churches saw in Paul what Jesus promised: “let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). • Their praise underlines that salvation and ministry are God’s accomplishments, not human achievements (Ephesians 2:8-10). because of me • Paul’s life became a living sermon: – Once “breathing threats” (Acts 9:1), now “preaching the faith” (Galatians 1:23). – “By the grace of God I am what I am” (1 Corinthians 15:10). • God turned a persecutor into an apostle so dramatically that believers could not help but celebrate. • Paul later tells Timothy, “For this reason I was shown mercy, so that in me, the foremost of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His unlimited patience” (1 Timothy 1:16-17). • His story assures us that no one is beyond God’s reach and that transformed lives naturally point others to the Savior (2 Corinthians 5:17-20). summary Galatians 1:24 shows the ripple effect of God’s grace: the conjunction “And” links Paul’s past to God’s ongoing work; “they” highlights the watching church; “glorified God” captures their heartfelt praise; and “because of me” reveals a life so changed that it redirects attention to the Lord. When God rewrites a person’s story, His people rejoice, and He alone receives the glory. |
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