Galatians 1:23
What does Galatians 1:23 mean?
A plain-English look at Galatians 1:23 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Galatians 1:23 means
What the Judean churches knew was a testimony: “He that once persecuted us now preacheth the faith of which he once made havoc.” This stark reversal authenticates both the messenger and the message. Only God can so transform a sworn enemy into a herald of the very faith he tried to destroy. The report also indicates that Paul now proclaimed the same “faith” he once opposed, not some novel system of his own invention. The content he preached matched the apostolic faith, even though he learned it by revelation from Christ rather than through their direct instruction.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000but they only heard say, He that once persecuted us now preacheth the faith of which he once made havoc;
KJV
King James Version · 1611But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901but they only heard say, He that once persecuted us now preacheth the faith of which he once made havoc;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Only it came to their ears that he who at one time was cruel to us is now preaching the faith which before had been attacked by him;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and only they were hearing, that `he who is persecuting us then, doth now proclaim good news--the faith that then he was wasting;'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But they had heard only: He, who persecuted us in times past doth now preach the faith which once he impugned.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890only they were hearing that he who persecuted us formerly now announces the glad tidings of the faith which formerly he ravaged:
Context
Following the statement that he was unknown by face in Judea, this verse provides the content of what those churches heard about Paul. Their knowledge was secondhand but accurate: a radical conversion and faithful proclamation. The final verse will show their response—glorifying God for Paul—signaling unity in the Gospel despite limited personal contact. This prepares the reader for chapter 2, where Paul’s relationship with Jerusalem leaders will be further clarified.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Timothy 1:13
though I was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: howbeit I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief;
- Acts 6:7
And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem exceedingly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.
- 1 Corinthians 15:8
and last of all, as to the child untimely born, he appeared to me also.
- Acts 9:13
But Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard from many of this man, how much evil he did to thy saints at Jerusalem:
- Acts 9:26
And when he was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: and they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple.
- Acts 9:20
And straightway in the synagogues he proclaimed Jesus, that he is the Son of God.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Galatians 1
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Galatians 1.
Topics that quote it
Topic
The Gospel in the Bible
The gospel is the good news of God’s salvation through Jesus Christ, offered to all who believe.
Topic
Bible Verses About Solitude
Solitude, often distinguished from loneliness, is a state of being alone that can be intentionally sought for spiritual growth and reflection.
Topic
Bible Verses About Adoption as Sons
God’s plan for us includes adoption into his family, bringing us from spiritual orphanhood to beloved children.