Galatians 1:13
What is written? (ESV)
For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it.
What does it say?
[Paul’s] life in Judaism was well known, that he viciously persecuted the church of God and wanted to destroy it.
What is its immediate context?
Paul’s letter to the churches of Galatia – churches that he had established not too long ago on his first missionary journey (Acts 13-14). He is astonished by their quick turning from the gospel due to, in particular, “Judaizing teachers” that required Gentiles to be circumcised (affectively, accepting Judaism) before becoming, or in order to become, a Christian. This was a significant issue throughout first-century Christianity and almost immediately becomes a problem after Paul’s first journey to Galatia (Acts 15). Apparently, there was a “stigma” cast on Christians that had not been Jews first – or not part of the “circumcision party” (2:12), and even Peter is somewhat affected by this teaching (2:11-14).
How Galatians 1:13 is applied across Bible answers
What is Christ’s church called?
Paul referred to the church (not one location in particular) as the church of God.
