Mark 1

[JLG]

- Galatians 1:17
- He did not go up to Jerusalem (11) to the apostles!
- He went into Arabia! (12)
- And he returned to Damascus!(13)
(Paul emphasizes his independence from the original apostles, highlighting that his gospel message was not influenced by them. This underscores the divine origin of his revelation. Jerusalem was the center of early Christianity, where the apostles resided. By not consulting them, Paul asserts the authenticity and authority of his direct encounter with Christ. This is significant in establishing his apostolic authority, as seen in Acts 9:26-30, where Paul later visits Jerusalem but only after his initial ministry.)
(Arabia, in this context, likely refers to the Nabatean Kingdom, which included parts of modern-day Jordan and Saudi Arabia. This journey signifies a period of reflection and preparation for Paul. It is reminiscent of Moses' time in Midian (Exodus 2:15) and Elijah's journey to Horeb (1 Kings 19:8), both of whom spent time in the wilderness before significant ministry. This period allowed Paul to deepen his understanding of the gospel and prepare for his mission to the Gentiles.)
(Damascus is where Paul first encountered Christ on the road (Acts 9:3-6). His return there signifies the continuation of his ministry and the beginning of his public proclamation of the gospel. Damascus was a significant city in the Roman Empire, with a diverse population, making it a strategic location for spreading the Christian message. This return also connects to Acts 9:19-22, where Paul begins to preach in the synagogues, confounding the Jews by proving that Jesus is the Christ.)

 

[JLG]

- Galatians 1:18
- Only after (Then, thereafter, afterwards. From epi and eita; thereafter) three years (1) he got up to Jerusalem (14) to confer with (To get acquainted with, visit. From a derivative of eido; to be knowing, i.e. to visit for information) Cephas (Of Chaldee origin; the Rock; Cephas, a surname of Peter)!
- And he stayed with him fifteen days! (2)
(This phrase indicates a significant period of time following Paul's conversion before he visited Jerusalem. The three-year period suggests a time of preparation and revelation, possibly spent in Arabia and Damascus (Galatians 1:17). This time frame emphasizes Paul's independence from the original apostles, underscoring that his gospel message was received directly from Christ (Galatians 1:12).)
(Jerusalem was the center of early Christianity and the location of the original apostles. Paul's journey to Jerusalem marks a pivotal moment in his ministry, as it was the first time he sought to connect with the established church leadership. This visit underscores the importance of unity and validation within the early church, as well as Paul's respect for the apostolic authority.)
(Cephas, also known as Peter, was one of the leading apostles and a key figure in the early church. The term "confer" suggests a meeting of mutual respect and exchange of ideas, rather than seeking instruction or approval. This encounter highlights the relationship between Paul and Peter, two foundational pillars of the church, and their shared mission despite different backgrounds and callings.)
(The duration of Paul's stay with Peter was relatively short, indicating a focused and purposeful visit. This brief period suggests that while Paul valued the connection with Peter, his primary mission and message were already established. The fifteen days allowed for personal interaction and fellowship, reinforcing the unity and shared purpose among the apostles.
This verse as a whole emphasizes the divine origin of Paul's apostleship and message, while also acknowledging the importance of fellowship and unity within the early church leadership.)

 

[JLG]

- Galatians 1:19
- He doesn’t see any apostle except James, Jesus’ brother!

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- Galatians 1:20
- Saul says that he is not lying!

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- Galatians 1:21
- Then (3) he goes to the regions (15)
(The use of "regions" indicates a broader geographical area rather than a specific city, suggesting Paul's ministry was expansive and not limited to urban centers. This approach aligns with his strategy of reaching both Jews and Gentiles across various locales.)
of Syria (16)
(Syria was a significant Roman province during Paul's time, with Antioch as a major city where believers were first called Christians (Acts 11:26). This area was a hub for early Christian activity and missionary work. Paul's presence here underscores the importance of Syria in the early church's expansion and the strategic role of Antioch as a base for missions.)
and Cilicia!(17)
(Cilicia, located in modern-day Turkey, was a Roman province known for its diverse population and trade routes. Tarsus, Paul's hometown, is in Cilicia, which may have provided him with cultural and social connections to aid his ministry. This region's inclusion highlights Paul's personal ties and the strategic importance of Cilicia in reaching both Jewish and Gentile audiences.)

(Paul's journey to these regions reflects the fulfillment of his calling to be an apostle to the Gentiles, as foretold in Acts 9:15. His travels demonstrate the early church's expansion beyond Judea and Samaria, fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) and laying the groundwork for the spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire.)

 

[JLG]

- Galatians 1:22
- He says he is personally unknown, however, to the churches of Judea (18) that are in Christ!
(Paul emphasizes his lack of personal interaction with the Judean churches. This highlights his independence from the original apostles and underscores the divine origin of his gospel message. His conversion and calling were direct from Christ, not through human intermediaries. This phrase also reflects the early church's rapid expansion, where not all believers were familiar with each other, even prominent figures like Paul.)
(The churches of Judea were among the earliest Christian communities, established soon after Pentecost. Judea, the region surrounding Jerusalem, was the heart of Jewish religious life and the birthplace of the Christian church. These churches were likely composed of Jewish converts who were familiar with the apostles and the teachings of Jesus. Paul's reference to these churches underscores the geographical spread of Christianity and the diversity within the early church.)
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- Galatians 1:23
- He says they only heard about the man who formerly persecuted them and was now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy!

 

[JLG]

- Apparently, it is important to remember more facts about the apostle Paul and the world in which he lived!
- We should never forget the context even if everyone does it all the time in all areas!
- Everyone acts as if the Bible was today’s book!
- So I will continue to say it again and again!
- The Bible tells us about people who were completely different!
- The Bible is written mainly in two languages which have nothing to do with each other, ancient Hebrew very limited because it was people who raised cattle (a word can be translated by several words in modern languages), ancient Greek extremely rich because it belonged to the most developed culture that the world has known (the language is so rich that there is no equivalent in modern languages)!
- The Bible was written on parchments, we must forget the books we know today!
- There were no chapters, verses or punctuation! (They simply wrote down all the messages God was giving them so that readers could receive them in full, not in little bits. It's a bit like delivering an important letter to someone; we present it to them in whole, not in little bits.)
- The apostle Paul lived during the time of the Roman Empire, which involved particular institutions, culture, economy and means of transportation that had nothing to do with ours!
- We live in a time when states seek to close in on themselves, the Roman world was a multicultural world!
- the Roman Empire had a population of 50 million inhabitants with very different statuses (Roman citizens and non-citizens, people from the cities and those from the countryside, free men and slaves, men and women, civilians and soldiers)!
- Rome had a population of approximately 1,000,000, Ephesus (650,000), Antioch of Syria (500,000), Tarsus (300,000) and Jerusalem (25,000)!
- In the Empire, there was a common culture, people spoke and thought Greek, Latin would not become a universal language until much later!

 

[JLG]

- Now let’s get deeper!
- In Acts 9, Luke concentrates on Saul’s conversion, his preaching work and his stay in Jerusalem!
- He mainly mentions Damascus and Jerusalem and at the end Caesarea and
Tarsus !
- When he speaks about time, he only mentions days (three days, several days, after many days)
Now let’s have a look at Acts 9:20
[Saul] promptly began to proclaim
ἐκήρυσσεν (ekēryssen)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2784: To proclaim, herald, preach. Of uncertain affinity; to herald, especially divine truth.

- We see promptly in English but in Ancient Greek we only get a verb !
- There is no adverb of time !
- Nothing is precise !

 

[JLG]

- Now if we look at Galatians chapter 1, the letter written by Paul, it is completely different, there is a lot more precision or details!
- He gets Jesus’ vision !
- Galatians 1:16:
I did not rush to consult
προσανεθέμην (prosanethemēn)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 4323: To consult with, communicate, impart. From pros and anatithemai; to lay up in addition, i.e. to impart or to consult.

with flesh
σαρκὶ (sarki)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4561: Flesh, body, human nature, materiality; kindred.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

blood,
αἵματι (haimati)
Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 129: Blood, literally, figuratively or specially; by implication, bloodshed, also kindred.
- Once again, here we have only a verb, but the translation adds “I did not rush to consult” instead of I did not consult!
Galatians 1:17
nor
οὐδὲ (oude)
Conjunction
Strong's 3761: Neither, nor, not even, and not. From ou and de; not however, i.e. Neither, nor, not even.

did I go up
ἀνῆλθον (anēlthon)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 424: To come up, go up, ascend. From ana and erchomai; to ascend.

to
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

Jerusalem
Ἱεροσόλυμα (Hierosolyma)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 2414: The Greek form of the Hebrew name: Jerusalem. Of Hebrew origin; Hierosolyma

to
πρὸς (pros)
Preposition
Strong's 4314: To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.

the
τοὺς (tous)
Article - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

apostles
ἀποστόλους (apostolous)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 652: From apostello; a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ.

[who came] before
πρὸ (pro)
Preposition
Strong's 4253: A primary preposition; 'fore', i.e. In front of, prior to.

me,
ἐμοῦ (emou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

but
ἀλλὰ (alla)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

I went
ἀπῆλθον (apēlthon)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 565: From apo and erchomai; to go off, aside or behind, literally or figuratively.

into
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

Arabia
Ἀραβίαν (Arabian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 688: Arabia, the district south of Palestine. Of Hebrew origin; Arabia, a region of Asia.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

[later]
πάλιν (palin)
Adverb
Strong's 3825: Probably from the same as pale; anew, i.e. back, once more, or furthermore or on the other hand.

returned
ὑπέστρεψα (hypestrepsa)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 5290: To turn back, return. From hupo and strepho; to turn under, i.e. To return.

to
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

Damascus.
Δαμασκόν (Damaskon)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1154: Damascus. Of Hebrew origin; Damascus, a city of Syria.

 

[JLG]

Galatians 1:18
Only after
Ἔπειτα (Epeita)
Adverb
Strong's 1899: Then, thereafter, afterwards. From epi and eita; thereafter.

three
τρία (tria)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 5140: Three. Or neuter tria a primary number; 'three'.

years
ἔτη (etē)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 2094: A year. Apparently a primary word; a year.

did I go up
ἀνῆλθον (anēlthon)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 424: To come up, go up, ascend. From ana and erchomai; to ascend.

to
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

Jerusalem
Ἱεροσόλυμα (Hierosolyma)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 2414: The Greek form of the Hebrew name: Jerusalem. Of Hebrew origin; Hierosolyma

to confer with
ἱστορῆσαι (historēsai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 2477: To get acquainted with, visit. From a derivative of eido; to be knowing, i.e. to visit for information.

Cephas,
Κηφᾶν (Kēphan)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2786: Of Chaldee origin; the Rock; Cephas, a surname of Peter.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

I stayed
ἐπέμεινα (epemeina)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1961: (a) I remain, tarry, (b) I remain in, persist in. From epi and meno; to stay over, i.e. Remain.

with
πρὸς (pros)
Preposition
Strong's 4314: To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.

him
αὐτὸν (auton)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

fifteen
δεκαπέντε (dekapente)
Adjective - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 1178: Fifteen. From deka and pente; ten and five, i.e. Fifteen.

days.
ἡμέρας (hēmeras)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 2250: A day, the period from sunrise to sunset.
Galatians 1:19
But
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

I saw
εἶδον (eidon)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 3708: Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.

none
οὐκ (ouk)
Adverb
Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

of the
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

other
ἕτερον (heteron)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2087: (a) of two: another, a second, (b) other, different, (c) one's neighbor. Of uncertain affinity; other or different.

apostles
ἀποστόλων (apostolōn)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 652: From apostello; a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ.

except
εἰ (ei)
Conjunction
Strong's 1487: If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.

James,
Ἰάκωβον (Iakōbon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2385: The same as Iakob Graecized; Jacobus, the name of three Israelites.

the
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Lord’s
Κυρίου (Kyriou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.

brother.
ἀδελφὸν (adelphon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 80: A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.

21Later I went to the regions of Syria and Cilicia. 22I was personally unknown, however, to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. 23They only heard the account: “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” 24And they glorified God because of me.
- Paul concentrates on Jesus’ vision!
- His preaching activity had nothing to do with the apostles in Jerusalem!
- He only saw Peter and James and only after three years!
- In fact, there were two heads:
- One in Jerusalem!
- And another one in Asia!
- The two stories concentrate on different topics!
- We have to be careful not to jump to conclusions!

 

[JLG]

Pekka said:

Why do men do the opposite of what Yah.weh want?

- My answer:

- If we think about animals living in small or big groups, we may take into account the fact that dominant males want to get all females!

- They want power!

- We find hierarchy!

- It is never enough!

- They look for their own satisfaction, their own desires!

- If we think about men, we can say the same!

- When some angels went down to the earth and became demons, they started behaving the same way!

- When we think about the devil, we can say it is the same!

- He is jealous of Yah.weh!

- He wants human beings to worship him!

- He is quite successful but there will always be some human beings that will stay faithful to Yah.weh!

- Why do the majority of angels stay faithful to Yah.weh?

- It means everlasting life and the opportunity to work for the creator of the universe and the source of incredible wisdom!

- What about Adam and Eve?

- Two different cases!

- Eve was attracted by her own desire and she listened to the devil who told her she would become like a god!

- Adam didn’t want to lose his wife!

- He chose his wife instead of Yah.weh!

- He lost everlasting life and condemned his descendants to death!

- His descendants have always done the same thus there is no difference!

- So the real question is why do some human beings stay faithful to Yah.weh?

- It means everlasting life and the opportunity to work for the creator of the universe and the source of incredible wisdom!

- Our society is extremely primitive and superficial!

- it is based on man’s tradition opposed to Yah.weh’s wisdom!

- Men took advantage of Yah.weh’s patience!

- But it has limits!

- But men will have the possibility to recover perfection!

- And Yah.weh won’t tolerate any rebellion!

- Then we will see with our eyes what paradise means!

- Something which is totally impossible to imagine with our human limitations and constantly watching men’s failures!