It Takes Time (Galatians 1:16b-24)
“My immediate response was not to consult any human being. I did not go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went into Arabia. Later I returned to Damascus. Then after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Cephas and stayed with him fifteen days. I saw none of the other apostles – only James, the Lord’s brother. I assure you before God that what I am writing you is no lie. Then I went to Syria and Cilicia. I was personally unknown to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. They only heard the report: “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” And they praised God because of me.”
Galatians 1:16b-24
Observations
“Then after three years” is one of the most standout statements of Galatians one for me. I live immersed in a shooting-star culture where we want to rise quickly, where we want to push others into leadership fast and high.
After his conversion, Paul purposefully retreats from others to build his faith with God before he can be influenced by others. He is very slow to become a public figure, going to places where he is mostly an obscure figure. Often in scripture, God calls his leaders to step out of the public spotlight and walk with him for an extended time.
Questions for Curiosity
- How do we handle this? When someone has a dramatic conversion do we help them slowly build a foundation?
- Does our community honor slow growth?
- Does our community honor a slow and quiet beginning?
- Do we work hard to lay an unadulterated gospel foundation before we move into ministry?
- What is the cost if we don’t?
Further Reflection
“Listen to me, you islands;
hear this, you distant nations:
Before I was born the Lord called me;
from my mother’s womb he has spoken my name.”
Isaiah 49:1
“And now the Lord says—
he who formed me in the womb to be his servant
to bring Jacob back to him
and gather Israel to himself,
for I am honored in the eyes of the Lord
and my God has been my strength—”
Isaiah 49:5
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
before you were born I set you apart;
I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”
Jeremiah 1:5
