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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Galatians 1:13 For you have heard of my former way of life in Judaism, how severely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/galatians/1-13.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/48_Gal_01_13.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Galatians 1:13 - Paul Preaches the Gospel" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="For you have heard of my former way of life in Judaism, how severely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/galatians/1-13.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/galatians/1-13.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/galatians/">Galatians</a> > <a href="/galatians/1.htm">Chapter 1</a> > Verse 13</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad13.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/galatians/1-12.htm" title="Galatians 1:12">◄</a> Galatians 1:13 <a href="/galatians/1-14.htm" title="Galatians 1:14">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/galatians/1.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/galatians/1.htm">New International Version</a> For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. <a href="/nlt/galatians/1.htm">New Living Translation</a> You know what I was like when I followed the Jewish religion—how I violently persecuted God’s church. I did my best to destroy it. <a href="/esv/galatians/1.htm">English Standard Version</a> For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. <a href="/bsb/galatians/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> For you have heard of my former way of life in Judaism, how severely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. <a href="/blb/galatians/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For you have heard of my former way of life in Judaism, that beyond exceeding measure I was persecuting the church of God and was destroying it. <a href="/kjv/galatians/1.htm">King James Bible</a> For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: <a href="/nkjv/galatians/1.htm">New King James Version</a> For you have heard of my former conduct in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it. <a href="/nasb_/galatians/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> For you have heard of my former way of life in Judaism, how I used to persecute the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it; <a href="/nasb/galatians/1.htm">NASB 1995</a> For you have heard of my former manner of life in Judaism, how I used to persecute the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it; <a href="/nasb77/galatians/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a> For you have heard of my former manner of life in Judaism, how I used to persecute the church of God beyond measure, and tried to destroy it; <a href="/lsb/galatians/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> For you have heard of my former conduct in Judaism, how I used to persecute the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it. <a href="/amp/galatians/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a> You have heard of my career and former manner of life in Judaism, how I used to hunt down and persecute the church of God extensively and [with fanatical zeal] tried [my best] to destroy it. <a href="/csb/galatians/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> For you have heard about my former way of life in Judaism: I intensely persecuted God’s church and tried to destroy it. <a href="/hcsb/galatians/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> For you have heard about my former way of life in Judaism: I persecuted God&#8217s church to an extreme degree and tried to destroy it. <a href="/asv/galatians/1.htm">American Standard Version</a> For ye have heard of my manner of life in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and made havoc of it: <a href="/cev/galatians/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> You know how I used to live as a Jew. I was cruel to God's church and even tried to destroy it. <a href="/erv/galatians/1.htm">English Revised Version</a> For ye have heard of my manner of life in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and made havock of it: <a href="/gwt/galatians/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> You heard about the way I once lived when I followed the Jewish religion. You heard how I violently persecuted God's church and tried to destroy it. <a href="/gnt/galatians/1.htm">Good News Translation</a> You have been told how I used to live when I was devoted to the Jewish religion, how I persecuted without mercy the church of God and did my best to destroy it. <a href="/isv/galatians/1.htm">International Standard Version</a> For you have heard about my earlier life in Judaism—how I kept violently persecuting God's church and was trying to destroy it. <a href="/msb/galatians/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> For you have heard of my former way of life in Judaism, how severely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. <a href="/net/galatians/1.htm">NET Bible</a> For you have heard of my former way of life in Judaism, how I was savagely persecuting the church of God and trying to destroy it. <a href="/nheb/galatians/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> For you have heard of my former way of life in Judaism, how I severely persecuted the church of God, and tried to destroy it. <a href="/wbt/galatians/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> For ye have heard of my manner of life in time past in the Jews' religion, that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it; <a href="/wey/galatians/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> For you have heard of my early career in Judaism--how I furiously persecuted the Church of God, and made havoc of it; <a href="/web/galatians/1.htm">World English Bible</a> For you have heard of my way of living in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the assembly of God and ravaged it. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/galatians/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> for you heard of my behavior once in Judaism, that I was exceedingly persecuting the Assembly of God, and destroying it, <a href="/blb/galatians/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For you have heard of my former way of life in Judaism, that beyond exceeding measure I was persecuting the church of God and was destroying it. <a href="/ylt/galatians/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> for ye did hear of my behaviour once in Judaism, that exceedingly I was persecuting the assembly of God, and wasting it, <a href="/slt/galatians/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> For ye heard of my turning about when in Judaism, that in excess I drove out the church of God, and laid it waste:<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/galatians/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> For you have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion: how that, beyond measure, I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it. <a href="/cpdv/galatians/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> For you have heard of my former behavior within Judaism: that, beyond measure, I persecuted the Church of God and fought against Her. <a href="/nabre/galatians/1.htm">New American Bible</a> For you heard of my former way of life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it, <a href="/nrsvce/galatians/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> You have heard, no doubt, of my earlier life in Judaism. I was violently persecuting the church of God and was trying to destroy it.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/galatians/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> You have heard of the manner of my life in time past in the Jews’ religion, how beyond measure I persecuted the Church of God and tried to destroy it: <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/galatians/1.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> For you have heard of my way of life, which from the first was in Judaism, that I was greatly persecuting the Church of God and destroying it.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/galatians/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> For you have heard of my former mode of life in Judaism, that I greatly persecuted the church of God, and laid it waste; <a href="/godbey/galatians/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> For you have heard of my life formerly in Judaism, that I was persecuting the church of God exceedingly, and destroying it: <a href="/haweis/galatians/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> For ye have heard of my former manner of life, when I professed Judaism, that in the most outrageous manner I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: <a href="/mace/galatians/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a> you have heard of my former behaviour, whilst I was of the Jewish religion, with what excessive violence I persecuted the church of God, and laid it waste: <a href="/wey/galatians/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> For you have heard of my early career in Judaism--how I furiously persecuted the Church of God, and made havoc of it; <a href="/worrell/galatians/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> For ye heard of my conduct formerly in Judaism; that, beyond measure, I was persecuting the assembly of God, and laying it waste; <a href="/worsley/galatians/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> For ye have heard of my conversation formerly in Judaism, that I outragiously persecuted the church of God, and laid it waste: <a href="/parallel/galatians/1-13.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Jv8Ri4CeT34?start=105" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/galatians/1.htm">Paul Preaches the Gospel</a> …12I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ. 13<a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">For</a> <a href="/greek/191.htm" title="191: Ēkousate (V-AIA-2P) -- To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.">you have heard of</a> <a href="/greek/1699.htm" title="1699: emēn (PPro-AF1S) -- My, mine. From the oblique cases of ego; my.">my</a> <a href="/greek/4218.htm" title="4218: pote (Prtcl) -- At one time or other, at some time, formerly. From the base of pou and te; indefinite adverb, at some time, ever.">former</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/391.htm" title="391: anastrophēn (N-AFS) -- Dealing with other men, conduct, life, behavior, manner of life. From anastrepho; behavior.">way of life</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2454.htm" title="2454: Ioudaismō (N-DMS) -- The Jewish religion, Judaism. From Ioudaizo; Judaism, i.e. The Jewish faith and usages.">Judaism,</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">how</a> <a href="/greek/2596.htm" title="2596: kath’ (Prep) -- A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).">severely</a> <a href="/greek/5236.htm" title="5236: hyperbolēn (N-AFS) -- From huperballo; a throwing beyond others, i.e. supereminence; adverbially pre- eminently."></a> <a href="/greek/1377.htm" title="1377: ediōkon (V-IIA-1S) -- To pursue, hence: I persecute. A prolonged form of a primary verb dio; to pursue; by implication, to persecute.">I persecuted</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/1577.htm" title="1577: ekklēsian (N-AFS) -- From a compound of ek and a derivative of kaleo; a calling out, i.e. a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation.">church</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theou (N-GMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">of God</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/4199.htm" title="4199: eporthoun (V-IIA-1S) -- To lay waste, destroy, ravage, harass. Prolongation from pertho; to ravage.">tried to destroy</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autēn (PPro-AF3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">it.</a> 14I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/acts/8-3.htm">Acts 8:3</a> But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison. <a href="/acts/9-1.htm">Acts 9:1-2</a> Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the disciples of the Lord. He approached the high priest / and requested letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any men or women belonging to the Way, he could bring them as prisoners to Jerusalem. <a href="/philippians/3-6.htm">Philippians 3:6</a> as to zeal, persecuting the church; as to righteousness in the law, faultless. <a href="/1_timothy/1-13.htm">1 Timothy 1:13</a> I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent man; yet because I had acted in ignorance and unbelief, I was shown mercy. <a href="/acts/22-4.htm">Acts 22:4-5</a> I persecuted this Way even to the death, detaining both men and women and throwing them into prison, / as the high priest and the whole Council can testify about me. I even obtained letters from them to their brothers in Damascus, and I was on my way to apprehend these people and bring them to Jerusalem to be punished. <a href="/acts/26-9.htm">Acts 26:9-11</a> So then, I too was convinced that I ought to do all I could to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth. / And that is what I did in Jerusalem. With authority from the chief priests I put many of the saints in prison, and when they were condemned to death, I cast my vote against them. / I frequently had them punished in the synagogues, and I tried to make them blaspheme. In my raging fury against them, I even went to foreign cities to persecute them. <a href="/1_corinthians/15-9.htm">1 Corinthians 15:9</a> For I am the least of the apostles and am unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. <a href="/acts/7-58.htm">Acts 7:58</a> They dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile the witnesses laid their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. <a href="/acts/22-19.htm">Acts 22:19-20</a> ‘Lord,’ I answered, ‘they know very well that in one synagogue after another I imprisoned and beat those who believed in You. / And when the blood of Your witness Stephen was shed, I stood there giving my approval and watching over the garments of those who killed him.’ <a href="/acts/26-14.htm">Acts 26:14</a> We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice say to me in Hebrew, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ <a href="/jeremiah/1-10.htm">Jeremiah 1:10</a> See, I have appointed you today over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and plant.” <a href="/isaiah/49-1.htm">Isaiah 49:1</a> Listen to Me, O islands; pay attention, O distant peoples: The LORD called Me from the womb; from the body of My mother He named Me. <a href="/psalms/106-16.htm">Psalm 106:16</a> In the camp they envied Moses, as well as Aaron, the holy one of the LORD. <a href="/1_samuel/22-17.htm">1 Samuel 22:17-19</a> Then the king ordered the guards at his side, “Turn and kill the priests of the LORD, because they too sided with David. For they knew he was fleeing, but they did not tell me.” But the king’s servants would not lift a hand to strike the priests of the LORD. / So the king ordered Doeg, “You turn and strike down the priests!” And Doeg the Edomite turned and struck down the priests himself. On that day he killed eighty-five men who wore the linen ephod. / He also put to the sword Nob, the city of the priests, with its men and women, children and infants, oxen, donkeys, and sheep. <a href="/1_kings/19-10.htm">1 Kings 19:10</a> “I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of Hosts,” he replied, “but the Israelites have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I am the only one left, and they are seeking my life as well.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>For you have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:ye.<a href="/acts/22-3.htm">Acts 22:3-5</a> I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day… <a href="/acts/26-4.htm">Acts 26:4,5</a> My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews; … how.<a href="/acts/8-1.htm">Acts 8:1,3</a> And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles… <a href="/acts/9-1.htm">Acts 9:1,2,13,14,21,26</a> And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, … <a href="/acts/22-4.htm">Acts 22:4,5</a> And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_corinthians/1-1.htm">Assembly</a> <a href="/acts/13-25.htm">Career</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-6.htm">Church</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/1-12.htm">Conversation</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-10.htm">Cruel</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/7-9.htm">Damage</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-5.htm">Destroy</a> <a href="/acts/26-4.htm">Early</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-7.htm">Excessively</a> <a href="/romans/15-4.htm">Former</a> <a href="/romans/15-4.htm">Formerly</a> <a href="/acts/26-11.htm">Furiously</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-11.htm">Great</a> <a href="/acts/9-21.htm">Havoc</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-4.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-24.htm">Jews</a> <a href="/acts/13-43.htm">Judaism</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/6-6.htm">Life</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/7-9.htm">Manner</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-7.htm">Measure</a> <a href="/galatians/1-11.htm">News</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-21.htm">Past</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-9.htm">Persecute</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-9.htm">Persecuted</a> <a href="/acts/8-3.htm">Ravaged</a> <a href="/acts/28-22.htm">Religion</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/13-2.htm">Time</a> <a href="/acts/27-39.htm">Tried</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/3-13.htm">Used</a> <a href="/acts/27-18.htm">Violently</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-16.htm">Wasted</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-20.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ephesians/1-22.htm">Assembly</a> <a href="/revelation/13-5.htm">Career</a> <a href="/galatians/2-2.htm">Church</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-3.htm">Conversation</a> <a href="/galatians/1-23.htm">Cruel</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-13.htm">Damage</a> <a href="/galatians/1-23.htm">Destroy</a> <a href="/galatians/4-13.htm">Early</a> <a href="/psalms/119-51.htm">Excessively</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-22.htm">Former</a> <a href="/galatians/1-23.htm">Formerly</a> <a href="/revelation/12-17.htm">Furiously</a> <a href="/galatians/3-16.htm">Great</a> <a href="/galatians/1-23.htm">Havoc</a> <a href="/galatians/1-23.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/galatians/1-14.htm">Jews</a> <a href="/galatians/1-14.htm">Judaism</a> <a href="/galatians/3-15.htm">Life</a> <a href="/galatians/2-14.htm">Manner</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-8.htm">Measure</a> <a href="/galatians/1-16.htm">News</a> <a href="/galatians/1-23.htm">Past</a> <a href="/galatians/4-29.htm">Persecute</a> <a href="/galatians/1-23.htm">Persecuted</a> <a href="/galatians/1-23.htm">Ravaged</a> <a href="/galatians/1-14.htm">Religion</a> <a href="/galatians/1-23.htm">Time</a> <a href="/galatians/1-23.htm">Tried</a> <a href="/galatians/2-12.htm">Used</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-15.htm">Violently</a> <a href="/galatians/4-11.htm">Wasted</a> <a href="/galatians/2-5.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Galatians 1</div>1. <a href="/galatians/1-1.htm">Paul's greeting to the Galatians;</a> 6. <a href="/galatians/1-6.htm">He wonders why they have so soon left him and the gospel;</a> 8. <a href="/galatians/1-8.htm">and accurses those who preach any other gospel than he did.</a> 11. <a href="/galatians/1-11.htm">He learned the gospel not from men, but from God;</a> 14. <a href="/galatians/1-14.htm">and shows what he was before his calling;</a> 17. <a href="/galatians/1-17.htm">and what he did immediately after it.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/galatians/1.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/galatians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/galatians/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>For you have heard of my former way of life in Judaism Paul begins by referencing his past, which was well-known among early Christians. His "former way of life in Judaism" indicates his deep roots in Jewish tradition and law. Paul was a Pharisee, a sect known for strict adherence to the Law of Moses (<a href="/philippians/3-5.htm">Philippians 3:5</a>). This background provided him with a thorough understanding of Jewish customs and beliefs, which he later used to argue for the truth of the Gospel. His transformation from a devout Jew to a follower of Christ highlights the power of the Gospel to change lives.how severely I persecuted the church of God Paul's persecution of the church is documented in <a href="/acts/8-3.htm">Acts 8:3</a> and <a href="/acts/9.htm">Acts 9:1-2</a>, where he is described as ravaging the church and imprisoning believers. This persecution was driven by his zeal for Jewish law and his belief that the followers of Jesus were blasphemers. His actions were in line with the Jewish leadership's stance against the early Christian movement, which they saw as a threat to their religious authority and traditions.and tried to destroy it Paul's intent to destroy the church underscores the intensity of his opposition. The Greek word used here for "destroy" implies a complete and utter annihilation. This reflects the early church's precarious position and the significant challenges it faced from both Jewish and Roman authorities. Paul's later conversion and role as a leading apostle to the Gentiles (<a href="/acts/9-15.htm">Acts 9:15</a>) serve as a powerful testimony to the transformative power of Christ, illustrating that even the most ardent opponent can become a devoted follower.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul (formerly Saul of Tarsus)</a> The author of the letter to the Galatians, who was once a zealous persecutor of Christians before his conversion to Christianity. 2. <a href="/topical/j/judaism.htm">Judaism</a> The religious context in which Paul was deeply rooted before his conversion. It represents the traditional Jewish faith and practices that Paul adhered to before encountering Christ. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_church_of_god.htm">The Church of God</a> Refers to the early Christian community that Paul persecuted before his conversion. This community was spreading the message of Jesus Christ and was seen as a threat to traditional Jewish beliefs. 4. <a href="/topical/p/persecution_of_christians.htm">Persecution of Christians</a> The active effort by Paul, before his conversion, to suppress and destroy the early Christian movement, which he saw as heretical. 5. <a href="/topical/p/paul's_conversion.htm">Paul's Conversion</a> Although not directly mentioned in this verse, it is a pivotal event that transformed Paul from a persecutor to a proponent of the Christian faith.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/transformation_through_christ.htm">Transformation through Christ</a> Paul's life exemplifies the transformative power of encountering Jesus. No past is too dark for God's grace to redeem and use for His purposes. <a href="/topical/z/zeal_without_knowledge.htm">Zeal without Knowledge</a> Zeal for religious traditions, as Paul had, can lead to misguided actions. True zeal should be rooted in the knowledge and love of Christ. <a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_testimony.htm">The Power of Testimony</a> Sharing personal testimonies of transformation can be a powerful tool in witnessing to others about the reality of Christ's work in our lives. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_redemption.htm">God's Sovereignty in Redemption</a> God can use even the most unlikely individuals for His purposes, demonstrating His sovereignty and the depth of His grace. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_humility.htm">The Importance of Humility</a> Recognizing our past mistakes and the grace we've received should lead to humility and a desire to serve others.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_galatians_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Galatians 1</a> <a href="/q/is_there_evidence_of_paul's_prominence.htm">In Galatians 1:13–14, Paul describes his extreme zeal in Judaism; is there any archaeological or historical data confirming his reputed prominence? </a> <a href="/q/why_does_paul's_conversion_story_differ.htm">Why does Paul’s account of his own conversion in Acts contradict his letters?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_paul_claim_revelation_over_history.htm">Why does Paul claim to receive knowledge about Jesus through revelation rather than historical accounts?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_zeal_differ_from_fanaticism.htm">What distinguishes zeal from fanaticism?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/galatians/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(13, 14) Proof that the doctrine of the Apostle is derived from God and not from man, in that it could not be accounted for by his antecedents and education, all of which told against, rather than for, a Christian belief of any kind.(13) Ye have heard.--Rather, ye heard. It was indeed notorious; but the Apostle may be referring to the fact that he himself usually (see <a href="/context/acts/22-3.htm" title="I am truly a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as you all are this day.">Acts 22:3-21</a>; <a href="/context/acts/26-4.htm" title="My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among my own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews;">Acts 26:4-20</a>; <a href="/context/1_corinthians/15-8.htm" title="And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.">1Corinthians 15:8-10</a>) brought his own career and experiences into his preaching, so that they may have heard it from his own lips.My conversation . . . in the Jews' religion.--How I behaved in the days of my Judaism. The phrase "Jews' religion" (literally, Judaism) is not used with any sense of disparagement.Wasted it.--The same word is translated "destroyed" in <a href="/acts/9-21.htm" title="But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came here for that intent, that he might bring them bound to the chief priests?">Acts 9:21</a> : "Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name?" . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/galatians/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 13. - For ye have heard (ἠκούσατε γάρ). This "for" introduces the whole statement which follows down to the end of the chapter; for the entire section is written with the view of substantiating the assertion in ver. 12, that he had not received the gospel which he preached from man, but solely through illumination imparted immediately from heaven. "Ye have heard," i.e. have been told; as <a href="/acts/11-1.htm">Acts 11:1</a>; <a href="/john/4-1.htm">John 4:1</a>, and often. "I am only stating what ye have already been apprised of, when I tell you of," etc. That the aorist tense of the Greek word does not limit the expression to any one communication, such e.g. as one made by the apostle himself, is shown by the use of this very aorist in blurt, 5:21, 33, etc.; <a href="/luke/4-23.htm">Luke 4:23</a>; <a href="/john/12-34.htm">John 12:34</a>; <a href="/ephesians/3-2.htm">Ephesians 3:2</a>; <a href="/ephesians/4-21.htm">Ephesians 4:21</a>; <a href="/2_timothy/1-13.htm">2 Timothy 1:13</a>; <a href="/james/5-11.htm">James 5:11</a>. The apostle appears to have been himself in the habit of frequently telling the wondrous story of what he once had been and of the change wrought upon him. We have instances of his doing this in fill detail in his speech from the stairs, and in his defence before Agrippa (<a href="/acts/22-1.htm">Acts 22:1-16</a>; <a href="/acts/26.htm">Acts 26</a>.), and with less fulness in <a href="/philippians/3-4.htm">Philippians 3:4-8</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/15-8.htm">1 Corinthians 15:8, 9</a>. It is therefore quite supposable that he had himself said as much also in Galatia. We observe, however, that the apostle does not say, "heard from me," as he might have done if he had himself been their informant: and, further, that the effect of the words, "ye have heard," does not, in point of construction at least, of necessity extend beyond the fourteenth verse. We are therefore at liberty to surmise that what he here refers to as having been told them relates simply to his life before his conversion; and that the accounts which they had received of it bad come through unfriendly informants. These may have been either unbelieving Jews or Judaizing Christians, who wished by these statements to disparage the apostle's character as one who, if he really was not dishonest, was at all events capable of passing from one extreme of sentiments to their direct opposite with the utmost suddenness and levity, and therefore was not a man entitled to be regarded with confidence. Of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion (τὴν ἐμὴν ἀναστροφήν ποτε ἐν τῷ Ἰουδαι'σμῷ); of my manner of life formerly in Judaism. "The manner in which I once behaved myself as devoted to Judaism." The ποτε belongs to the action denoted in the verbal noun ἀναστροφήν, like ἡ τῆς Τροίας ἅλωσις τὸ δεύτερον, cited by Meyer from Plato ('Legg.,' 3:685, D). Ἀναστροφή, conversatio, which occurs repeatedly in the New Testament, is generally rendered "conversation" in Authorized Version (<a href="/ephesians/4-22.htm">Ephesians 4:22</a>; <a href="/1_peter/1-18.htm">1 Peter 1:18</a>; <a href="/1_peter/4-12.htm">1 Peter 4:12</a>; <a href="/hebrews/13-7.htm">Hebrews 13:7</a>). "Judaism" means "the religious life of a Jew," which distinctively was Mosaism. It occurs in 2 Macc. 2:21 2Macc. 14:38; 4 Macc. 4:16. Ignatius ('Ad Magn.,' 8) speaks of "not living according to Judaism," as in ibid., 10, he uses the word "Christianism." St. Paul has the verb "Judaize" below, <a href="/galatians/2-14.htm">Galatians 2:14</a>. On the objective accusative ἀναστροφὴν as defined by the following clause, "how that," etc., see note on εὐαγγέλιον in ver. 11. How that beyond measure I persecuted the Church of God (ὅτι καθ ὑπερβολὴν ἐδίωκον τὴν ἐκκλησίαν τοῦ Θεοῦ); how that beyond measure I was persecuting the Church of God. The imperfect "was persecuting," as well as the following, "was making havoc and was advancing," points to what he was doing when God interposed in the manner described in vers. 15, 16. Compare the use of the aorist ἐδίωξα in <a href="/1_corinthians/15-9.htm">1 Corinthians 15:9</a>, Where no such simultaneity required to be indicated. "Beyond measure" or "superlatively" (καθ' ὑπερβολὴν) was, at least about this time, a favorite phrase with St. Paul. A less eager pen might have written "exceedingly" (σφόδρα). Cf. <a href="/romans/7-13.htm">Romans 7:13</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/12-31.htm">1 Corinthians 12:31</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/1-8.htm">2 Corinthians 1:8</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/4-7.htm">2 Corinthians 4:7, 17</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/12-7.htm">2 Corinthians 12:7</a>. "Of God." This is added to "the Chinch" with pathos of strong self-condemnation, as it is also in <a href="/1_corinthians/15-9.htm">1 Corinthians 15:9</a>. The apostle feels now that his violence against the Church was a kind of sacrilege. The sentiment is an echo of Christ's words to him," Why persecutest thou me?" And wasted it (καὶ ἐπόρθουν αὐτήν); and making havoc of it. The Greek verb (πορθεῖν) used again in this relation below, ver. 23, is similarly employed also in <a href="/acts/9-21.htm">Acts 9:21</a>, "made havoc of those who called upon this Name." The verb properly denotes "devastate," "harry;" and in classical Greek is used with reference to towns, countries, and the like, being applied to persons only in the poetical style (Liddell and Scott). In the New Testament it is used only in relation to Soul's persecution, apparently marking its deadly effectiveness as well as Saul's determination if possible to extirpate the faith and its adherents. The expugnabam of the Vulgate would seem a fair equivalent. <a href="/commentaries/galatians/1-13.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>For γὰρ (gar) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. you have heard of Ἠκούσατε (Ēkousate) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_191.htm">Strong's 191: </a> To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear. my ἐμὴν (emēn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Feminine 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1699.htm">Strong's 1699: </a> My, mine. From the oblique cases of ego; my. former ποτε (pote) Particle <a href="/greek/strongs_4218.htm">Strong's 4218: </a> At one time or other, at some time, formerly. From the base of pou and te; indefinite adverb, at some time, ever. way of life ἀναστροφήν (anastrophēn) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_391.htm">Strong's 391: </a> Dealing with other men, conduct, life, behavior, manner of life. From anastrepho; behavior. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. Judaism, Ἰουδαϊσμῷ (Ioudaismō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2454.htm">Strong's 2454: </a> The Jewish religion, Judaism. From Ioudaizo; 'Judaism', i.e. The Jewish faith and usages. how ὅτι (hoti) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. severely καθ’ (kath’) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_2596.htm">Strong's 2596: </a> A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined). I persecuted ἐδίωκον (ediōkon) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1377.htm">Strong's 1377: </a> To pursue, hence: I persecute. A prolonged form of a primary verb dio; to pursue; by implication, to persecute. the τὴν (tēn) Article - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. church ἐκκλησίαν (ekklēsian) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1577.htm">Strong's 1577: </a> From a compound of ek and a derivative of kaleo; a calling out, i.e. a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation. of God Θεοῦ (Theou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. tried to destroy ἐπόρθουν (eporthoun) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4199.htm">Strong's 4199: </a> To lay waste, destroy, ravage, harass. Prolongation from pertho; to ravage. it. αὐτήν (autēn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Feminine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/galatians/1-13.htm">Galatians 1:13 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/galatians/1-13.htm">Galatians 1:13 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/galatians/1-13.htm">Galatians 1:13 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/galatians/1-13.htm">Galatians 1:13 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/galatians/1-13.htm">Galatians 1:13 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/galatians/1-13.htm">Galatians 1:13 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/galatians/1-13.htm">Galatians 1:13 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/galatians/1-13.htm">Galatians 1:13 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/galatians/1-13.htm">Galatians 1:13 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/galatians/1-13.htm">Galatians 1:13 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/galatians/1-13.htm">NT Letters: Galatians 1:13 For you have heard of my way (Gal. Ga) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/galatians/1-12.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Galatians 1:12"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Galatians 1:12" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/galatians/1-14.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Galatians 1:14"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Galatians 1:14" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>