Galatians 1.16-18
“I did not immediately consult with anyone; 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. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and remained with him fifteen days.”
Paul continues to validate his apostolic authority by revealing his path to growth and discipleship. He continues to make the case that his gospel was not taught to him by men; rather, it was taught to him directly by the Lord. We know from Acts 9 that immediately following his conversion, Paul spent some time in Damascus. This passage in Galatians adds to what is missing in Acts.
Immediately following his conversion, Paul proclaimed Christ in the synagogue in Damascus (Acts 9:19-22) and then went to Arabia. This fact is not directly mentioned in Acts, though it is probably alluded to in 9:23: “After many days had passed.” Paul then returned to Damascus (probably Acts 9:23-25) and next went to Jerusalem (Acts 9:26). Paul’s reference to “three years” likely meant that three years had passed since his conversion.
Keep in mind that Judea, especially Jerusalem itself, was the center of the early church. In Galatians Paul is emphasizing that he was not trained by the apostles in Jerusalem; rather, his initial training came during his three years in Damascus and Arabia. It was only after those three years that he finally went to Jerusalem, where he first met Peter (Cephas). No doubt he learned something from Peter, as he spent 15 days with him, but Paul clearly puts an emphasis on his time in Damascus and Arabia.
There is debate about where Paul spent the three years. Some think it was predominantly in Arabia, others think it was split between Damascus and Arabia. The main point, I think, is that it was a time of reflection, preparation, and growth for Paul. It was a time when Paul submitted himself to the teaching of Jesus and learned the content of the gospel and the ways of the kingdom of God. Some suggest that while in solitude in Arabia, Paul was taught directly by Jesus himself. Given the importance and power of Paul’s apostolic ministry, it would make sense for Jesus to spend three years instructing and preparing Paul just as during his earthly ministry the Lord spent three years with the other apostles.
Here is the application question: Do you spend regular time in solitude with the Lord? Do you set time aside on a regular basis to get away from the noise and busyness of everyday life to read and meditate on the Word, pray, and worship? The Lord desires to meet you in the pages of the Bible, and he desires to meet you in the solitude of prayer. He wants you to read scripture, think about what it says and meditate on it, and he wants you to pray and ask him to give you wisdom and insight.
Yes, we need gifted teachers in our life who help us understand what the Bible says, but we also need our own personal time of fellowship with God in his word. Psalm 119 provides guidance for this discipline: “I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word … Make me understand the way of your precepts, and I will meditate on your wondrous works … Put false ways far from me and graciously teach me your law … Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes; and I will keep it to the end. Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart.”
You need time alone with God. You need to listen to his voice and learn from his word.
