Galatians 1:23

Galatians 1:23

Galatians 1:23: “But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed.” This verse captures the transformable witness of the gospel and the rumor mill surrounding Paul’s conversion. It shows that even in early days, the church in Judea had heard about Paul’s dramatic change—from persecutor to preacher. The emphasis on “they had heard only”—the rumor of transformation—highlights how powerful personal testimony can be in the spread of the gospel. It also underscores the dramatic nature of Paul’s conversion as a reliable sign of God’s grace that can redeem even the fiercest opponents. The verse sits within the larger Galatian critique of legalism; Paul’s radical conversion illustrates the gospel’s power to break shackles and redefine identity.

Theologically, this verse affirms God’s redemptive power, the sufficiency of grace, and the reality of transformation. It demonstrates how authentic faith is evidenced by changed life and public proclamation of the gospel. The contrasting imagery—persecutor turned preacher—embodies the core of Christian grace and the universality of God’s mercy.

This verse encourages believers who feel they’ve gone too far astray to trust in God’s grace. Your past does not have to determine your future in Christ. It can even become a powerful testimony. Consider sharing your own story of transformation in appropriate settings—how Jesus met you, changed you, and redirected your path. For communities, this is a reminder to welcome transformed individuals with humility and to look for God’s work in unlikely places. Your history, wisely used, can become a bridge to others who doubt God’s grace.

Cross-References: Acts 9:1-19; 1 Timothy 1:12-16; 2 Corinthians 4:1-2; Titus 3:3-7; Luke 7:36-50