Galatians 1:14 And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in my own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers… I. THE RELIGION OF PAUL BEFORE HIS CONVERSION WAS DISTINGUISHED BY HATRED AND CRUELTY. "He persecuted the Church of God and wasted it." II. THE RELIGION OF PAUL BEFORE HIS CONVERSION WAS DISTINGUISHED BY GREAT PROFICIENCY IN JEWISH RITES AND CEREMONIES. "He profited in the Jews' religion above many his equals in his own nation." III. PAUL'S RELIGION BEFORE HIS CONVERSION WAS DISTINGUISHED BY ZEAL FOR THE TRADITIONS OF THE FATHERS. "Being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers." Lessons: 1. Paul exhibited a character in which the desire to excel was ever prominent. His persecution was above measure, his proficiency and zeal in the Jewish religion, were superior to his contemporaries. The same feature of character was observed in Christian work. 2. Paul's history teaches that sincerity is no proof of righteousness. He "thought that he ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth." (R. Nicholls.) Parallel Verses KJV: And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers. |
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