For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers.
But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, my immediate response was not to consult any human being. I did not go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went into Arabia.
Later I returned to Damascus. Then after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Cephas and stayed with him fifteen days. I saw none of the other apostles—only James, the Lord’s brother. I assure you before God that what I am writing you is no lie.
Then I went to Syria and Cilicia. I was personally unknown to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. They only heard the report: “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” And they praised God because of me.

Paul is describing his heavenly calling by Jesus, his obedience to God’s call and his years in the wilderness. This is likely when Jesus revealed himself to Paul in order to teach him like he did the other Apostles. He spent a short time with Peter and James, but then began his ministry.

Why does Paul give us this detail regarding his path from being blinded to the time in which he began serving as an Apostle? It is hard to know this. My guess is this is to refute false claims about him that he did not have a first-hand relationship with Jesus.

Regardless, Paul states at the end of this section that he preached to the believers in Syria and Cicilia, and they rejoiced at his preaching and his transformation.

What can we learn from this section to apply to our lives? 1) We do not get to judge other people’s relationship with Jesus based on our own experience. God calls us to different things at different times. 2) If one preaches the truth about Jesus to you, receive it and believe it. Do not allow another to come in to change the message or alter the truth. 3) Do not attack those who stand for the truth in the Bible. They are God’s servants and can help you draw closer to him.

Lord, thank you that you called Paul to minister to us. You inspired him by direct revelation to take his background and training that he once used for evil, and to turn and use it for good. Take all the skills and abilities I have and help me to lay them at your feet for your work. May I judge little and love much!