Bible Strands
Galatians 1:17
nor did I go up to Jerusalem to the apostles who came before me, but I went into Arabia and later returned to Damascus.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Galatian churches to defend his apostolic commission during a dispute over gospel authority. He speaks at a moment when opponents question whether his message required validation from the original Jerusalem leaders.
The words — οὐδὲ (oude) translates literally as "nor," and ἀνῆλθον (anēlthon) means "did I go up," directly negating a visit to Jerusalem. These terms record Paul's immediate post-conversion movements without human consultation.
The thread — The same itinerary appears in Galatians 1:18, where Paul notes a three-year delay before going up to Jerusalem to confer with Cephas. His Damascus period is also documented in Acts 9:20 and recalled in 2 Corinthians 11:32.
Why it lands — The text states that Paul's initial preaching occurred independently of the Jerusalem apostles, in Arabia and Damascus. It requires readers to evaluate whether their own ministry depends on divine revelation or on human institutional approval.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.
Cross-references
- Acts 9:20 Saul promptly began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, declaring, “He is the Son of God.”
- 2 Corinthians 11:32 In Damascus, the governor under King Aretas secured the city of the Damascenes in order to arrest me.
- Galatians 1:18 Only after three years did I go up to Jerusalem to confer with Cephas, and I stayed with him fifteen days.