Galatians 1:22
What does Galatians 1:22 mean?
A plain-English look at Galatians 1:22 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Galatians 1:22 means
Despite his apostolic labors, Paul remained “unknown by face” to the churches of Judæa in Christ. They did not know him personally, which makes it impossible to claim he was schooled by them or shaped his message to please them. Yet these churches were genuinely in Christ, underscoring that Paul is not anti-Judean; he simply did not derive his gospel from their fellowship. The lack of personal acquaintance highlights the independence of his early ministry and the universality of the Gospel, which advances through diverse servants whom many believers may never meet face to face.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And I was still unknown by face unto the churches of Judæa which were in Christ:
KJV
King James Version · 1611And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judea which were in Christ:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And I was still unknown by face unto the churches of Judæa which were in Christ:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And the churches of Judaea which were in Christ still had no knowledge of my face or person:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and was unknown by face to the assemblies of Judea, that <FI>are<Fi> in Christ,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And I was unknown by face to the churches of Judea, which were in Christ:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But I was unknown personally to the assemblies of Judaea which [are] in Christ;
Context
After mentioning his work in Syria and Cilicia, Paul explains that even the Judean congregations did not recognize him. The next verse will say they had only heard the report of his dramatic reversal—from persecutor to preacher. Finally, the chapter will close with their response: they glorified God in Paul (verse 24). This flow reinforces that his Gospel was not taught by them, yet it was gladly affirmed by them when they heard of God’s grace at work.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Thessalonians 1:1
Paul, and Silvanus, and Timothy, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace.
- 1 Corinthians 1:30
But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who was made unto us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption:
- Romans 16:7
Salute Andronicus and Junias, my kinsmen, and my fellow-prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also have been in Christ before me.
- Philippians 1:1
Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus that are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
- Acts 9:31
So the church throughout all Judæa and Galilee and Samaria had peace, being edified; and, walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, was multiplied.
- 2 Thessalonians 1:1
Paul, and Silvanus, and Timothy, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ;
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