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"Indeed, before God, I do not lie."

Text: Galatians 1:20

A SOLEMN DECLARATION

Paul knew that what he had shared was not well known. Thus he felt that he had to make the following declaration under oath.

(Now concerning the things which I write to you,
indeed, before God, I do not lie.)
Afterward I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia;
and I was unknown by face to the churches of Judea
which were in Christ.
But they were hearing only, ‘He who formerly persecuted us
now preaches the faith which he once tried to destroy.’
And they glorified God in me.

Galatians 1:20-24

1. “Indeed, before God, I do not lie”

a) This is virtually taking an oath.

b) This was Paul’s way of affirming that what he had written was true.

2. Continuing with the historical reflection

a) “Afterward I went to the regions of Syria and Cilicia.”

b) This is a reference to Paul’s ministry in Antioch, Syria (Acts 13).

c) Shortly after, the Spirit of God called him and Barnabas to active missionary ministry in Cilicia.

d) Cilicia

i) This was an ancient name for modern day Southern Turkey.

ii) It is in the Mediterranean region.

iii) This is a general reference to the region Paul and Barnabas evangelised for the Lord.

3. “And I was unknown by face to the churches of Judea which were in Christ”

a) Jerusalem was where the Church began.

b) Other churches were planted as Christianity spread.

c) Paul was largely unknown by face to these churches in Judea.

4. “But they were hearing only”

They had heard that Paul had been soundly converted to faith in Christ.

5. “And they glorified God in me”

These churches had maturity of faith to recognise that God had wonderfully saved and transformed Paul.