1:13 For you have heard of my former way of life 4 in Judaism, how I was savagely persecuting the church of God and trying to destroy it. 1:14 I 5 was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries in my nation, 6 and was 7 extremely zealous for the traditions of my ancestors. 8 1:15 But when the one 9 who set me apart from birth 10 and called me by his grace was pleased 1:16 to reveal his Son in 11 me so that I could preach him 12 among the Gentiles, I did not go to ask advice from 13 any human being, 14 1:17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem 15 to see those who were apostles before me, but right away I departed to Arabia, 16 and then returned to Damascus.
1:18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem 17 to visit Cephas 18 and get information from him, 19 and I stayed with him fifteen days. 1:19 But I saw none of the other apostles 20 except James the Lord’s brother. 1:20 I assure you 21 that, before God, I am not lying about what I am writing to you! 22 1:21 Afterward I went to the regions of Syria and Cilicia. 1:22 But I was personally 23 unknown to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. 1:23 They were only hearing, “The one who once persecuted us is now proclaiming the good news 24 of the faith he once tried to destroy.” 1:24 So 25 they glorified God because of me. 26