Galatians 1:23
But they were hearing only, “He who formerly persecuted us now preaches the faith which he once tried to destroy.”
Truth to Learn
God can change even the most hardened opponent of Christianity into a beacon of the gospel message.
Behind the Words
The words translated “they were hearing” are akouontes ēsan. The word ēsan is the verb of being and is expressed in the imperfect tense implying continuous or repeated past action. The word akouontes is a form of akouō, meaning “to hear.” This is the word from which we get out English word acoustic. It is expressed here as a participle, implying ongoing action. Put this all together, and we see that Paul is saying, “they were continually hearing” or “they were repeatedly hearing.”
“Destroy” is translated from a form of portheō, which means “to ravage” or “to destroy.” This word is also expressed in the imperfect tense implying past, continuous or repeated activity. Hence, the end of this verse could be expressed as “the faith which he previously was ravaging.”
Meaning Explained
Even though Paul had never visited any of the churches in Judea they knew who he was. What they knew about him, however, was only by hearsay because they had never heard him preach nor had they conversed with him. The churches in Judea, and particularly in Jerusalem, knew who he was because he had persecuted them in the worst way. This persecution began at the death of Stephen which is recorded in the seventh and eighth chapters of the book of Acts:
And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep. Now Saul was consenting to his death. At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison. (Act 7:59 – 8:3)
Because of this persecution, of which Paul was a key instigator, virtually every Christian in Jerusalem and all Judea knew who Paul was. In the current verse Paul tells us that he was known by his reputation; not as the one who currently was persecuting the church, but as the one who formerly persecuted the church and who now preaches the faith that he once tried to destroy. God can take even the greatest enemy of the Church and turn him or her into an instrument of blessing with the gospel message.
Application
Do you know of someone who resists everything you try to do for God? Someone who seems intent on destroying every spiritual thing you try to do? If so, pray that God will turn that person around and make them into a vessel of blessing!
He is able!
In God’s service, for His glory,
Copyright © 2007 Will Krause. All rights reserved.
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