Parallel Bible results for "galatians 1:13-23"

Galatians 1:13-23

The Message Bible MSG

13 I'm sure that you've heard the story of my earlier life when I lived in the Jewish way. In those days I went all out in persecuting God's church. I was systematically destroying it.

14 I was so enthusiastic about the traditions of my ancestors that I advanced head and shoulders above my peers in my career.

15 Even then God had designs on me. Why, when I was still in my mother's womb he chose and called me out of sheer generosity!

16 Now he has intervened and revealed his Son to me so that I might joyfully tell non-Jews about him.

17 and without going up to Jerusalem to confer with those who were apostles long before I was - I got away to Arabia. Later I returned to Damascus,

18 but it was three years before I went up to Jerusalem to compare stories with Peter. I was there only fifteen days - but what days they were!

19 Except for our Master's brother James, I saw no other apostles.

20 (I'm telling you the absolute truth in this.)

21 Then I began my ministry in the regions of Syria and Cilicia.

22 After all that time and activity I was still unknown by face among the Christian churches in Judea.

23 There was only this report: "That man who once persecuted us is now preaching the very message he used to try to destroy."

New International Version NIV

13 For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it.

14 I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers.

15 But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace, was pleased

16 to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, my immediate response was not to consult any human being.

17 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.

18 Then after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Cephas and stayed with him fifteen days.

19 I saw none of the other apostles—only James, the Lord’s brother.

20 I assure you before God that what I am writing you is no lie.

21 Then I went to Syria and Cilicia.

22 I was personally unknown to the churches of Judea that are in Christ.

23 They only heard the report: “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.”