11 For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel. 12 For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. 13 For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. 14 And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. 15 But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, 16 was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone; 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.
18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and remained with him fifteen days. 19 But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord’s brother. 20 (In what I am writing to you, before God, I do not lie!) 21 Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. 22 And I was still unknown in person to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. 23 They only were hearing it said, “He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” 24 And they glorified God because of me.
St Paul recounts for the Galatians his Call experience. Many Pastors and Seminaries most asked question is why did you become a Pastor. Most of them should simply answer, God called me to be his servant. But most often Pastors and Seminaries will recall the various people who encouraged them to follow this calling. Others will recall some kind of Lightning storm experience or road to Damascus experience. But for the most part it is a very simple story of God using various means to influence these people.
St Paul was well advanced already in his studies. He had consumed many theological texts (so to speak). He was very traditional in his teaching and in whom he followed. These traditional teachers were not so welcoming of Jesus, nor his disciples. They were the very ones who crucified Jesus Christ. These were St Paul's heroes of the faith.
For most Christians we can name one or two people in our life who we looked up to as an example of faith. I know that I could definitely name two, but it is time for you to think of your two. Those two people who either helped you to understand the truth of the Gospel or helped to strengthen your faith beyond comprehension. These are your heroes in the Faith.
For St Paul his heroes of the faith had to change dramatically. His Heroes in the Faith became the Pillars of the Church, namely the Apostles. Specifically, St Paul recounts meeting with St Peter and James the Lord's brother. These are the ones who give him the courage even greater to proclaim the faith he once tried to destroy.
St Paul was well advanced already in his studies. He had consumed many theological texts (so to speak). He was very traditional in his teaching and in whom he followed. These traditional teachers were not so welcoming of Jesus, nor his disciples. They were the very ones who crucified Jesus Christ. These were St Paul's heroes of the faith.
For most Christians we can name one or two people in our life who we looked up to as an example of faith. I know that I could definitely name two, but it is time for you to think of your two. Those two people who either helped you to understand the truth of the Gospel or helped to strengthen your faith beyond comprehension. These are your heroes in the Faith.
For St Paul his heroes of the faith had to change dramatically. His Heroes in the Faith became the Pillars of the Church, namely the Apostles. Specifically, St Paul recounts meeting with St Peter and James the Lord's brother. These are the ones who give him the courage even greater to proclaim the faith he once tried to destroy.
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