Galatians 1:18 – “Then after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Cephas and stayed with him fifteen days.”

Extended Explanation

Paul continues telling his personal story, explaining what happened after his dramatic conversion. He mentions that it was three years before he finally went to Jerusalem to meet Cephas (another name for Peter).

This timeline is important because it shows that Paul did not rush to seek approval or instruction from the apostles after he met Jesus. Instead, he spent time in Arabia and Damascus, growing in his understanding of the gospel directly from God (Galatians 1:17). Only after three years did he visit Peter.

The phrase “to get acquainted with Cephas” shows that Paul was not going to Jerusalem to be trained or commissioned as an apostle. He was already preaching and teaching before meeting Peter. Instead, this visit was likely a personal meeting, where they got to know each other and shared their experiences.

Paul also notes that his stay was only fifteen days—a relatively short period. This further emphasizes that his gospel message did not come from human leaders. If Paul had spent years in Jerusalem learning from Peter, people might assume he was just passing along Peter’s teaching. But that’s not the case—his gospel came from Jesus Himself.

Historical Context

At this point in Paul’s life, he had already begun preaching boldly about Jesus, even though he was once a fierce persecutor of the church. His dramatic transformation had shocked many believers, and some still doubted whether he was truly a follower of Christ.

When Paul finally arrived in Jerusalem, it was probably a tense moment. Many Christians were still afraid of him, remembering how he had once hunted them down (Acts 9:26). However, Peter (Cephas) welcomed him, and Barnabas helped introduce him to the rest of the apostles.

This meeting with Peter was significant because Peter was one of the most respected leaders of the early church. Even though Paul was a powerful teacher, he still saw value in meeting with one of Jesus’ original disciples. But his short visit makes it clear that he was not dependent on Peter for his message or authority.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches several key truths:

1. God’s calling is independent of human approval. Paul waited three years before meeting with Peter, proving that his authority came from God, not men.
2. Fellowship among believers is important. Even though Paul’s gospel came from Jesus, he still valued meeting with Peter, showing that Christian leaders should work together.
3. God prepares people before sending them into greater ministry. Paul spent time growing and preaching before going to Jerusalem, showing that spiritual maturity takes time.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s wording in this verse is precise.

• “Then after three years” – This phrase marks a significant time gap, showing that Paul’s gospel was not quickly influenced by others.
• “I went up to Jerusalem” – Jerusalem was the religious center of Judaism and the early church, making this visit a major step in Paul’s journey.
• “To get acquainted with Cephas” – The Greek word here (historeo) means to visit or to get to know someone personally. This suggests that Paul and Peter were sharing experiences rather than one instructing the other.
• “Stayed with him fifteen days” – Paul specifically notes the short length of his stay, reinforcing that he did not receive his gospel message from Peter.

Biblical Cross-References

• Acts 9:26-28 – Paul’s visit to Jerusalem and how Barnabas introduced him to the apostles.
• 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 – Paul lists himself as one of those to whom Jesus appeared, showing his authority as an apostle.
• Galatians 1:11-12 – Paul emphasizes that his gospel came from Jesus, not from men.
• Acts 9:20-22 – Paul immediately began preaching in Damascus after his conversion, before meeting any apostles.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse reminds us that God prepares people in His own timing. Paul did not rush into ministry without first growing in his faith. In the same way, believers today should take time to deepen their understanding of God’s Word before stepping into leadership roles.

It also teaches that fellowship among believers is valuable, even for those who already have a strong personal faith. Paul didn’t need Peter’s approval, but he still sought connection with him. This is a good example for Christians today—we don’t need human validation, but we do need the support and wisdom of fellow believers.

Finally, this verse challenges us to make sure that our faith is based on God’s revelation, not just on human teachers. While learning from others is important, our ultimate source of truth must be Jesus and Scripture.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is shown in how He patiently prepares people for their calling. Instead of immediately sending Paul to the apostles, God allowed him to grow in understanding and boldness before bringing him to Jerusalem.

This also shows that God is a God of restoration. Paul had once been an enemy of the church, but now he was meeting with one of its greatest leaders. Only a loving and merciful God could transform a persecutor into a preacher.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Paul’s visit with Peter highlights the unity of the gospel message. Even though Paul received the gospel from Jesus directly and Peter had been personally taught by Jesus, they both preached the same message. This confirms that the gospel is not a human invention but the truth revealed by Christ Himself.

It also reflects Jesus’ words in John 17:20-21, where He prayed for unity among His followers. Paul and Peter came from different backgrounds, but they shared the same mission—to spread the good news of Jesus Christ.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why do you think Paul waited three years before visiting Jerusalem?
2. What does Paul’s meeting with Peter teach us about Christian unity?
3. How does this verse encourage us to trust in God’s timing for our own spiritual growth?
4. Why is it important to make sure our faith is based on God’s Word and not just on human teachers?
5. How does Paul’s transformation from persecutor to preacher reflect God’s grace?