Galatians 1:23

"I was still unknown by face to the assemblies of Judea which were in Christ,"

Key Reflection

Paul's statement that he was "unknown by face" to the Judean churches emphasizes his outsider status before his conversion, highlighting how his apostleship came directly from Jesus Christ himself rather than through traditional Jewish leadership. This underscores the idea that salvation and apostolic authority are not defined by physical presence or heritage but by a direct revelation from God.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

But they had heard only, etc. They had not seen me; but the remarkable fact of my conversions had been reported to them. It was a fact that they could hardly be concealed. See Barnes "Ac 26:26". {a} "heard only" Ac 9:13,26; 1 Ti 1:13-16 __________________________________________________________________

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