Call to Apostleship

11 nBut I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. 12 For oI neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came pthrough the revelation of Jesus Christ.

13 For you have heard of my former conduct in Judaism, how qI persecuted the church of God beyond measure and rtried to destroy it. 14 And I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries in my own nation, sbeing more exceedingly zealous tfor the traditions of my fathers.

15 But when it pleased God, uwho separated me from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, 16 vto reveal His Son in me, that wI might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with xflesh and blood, 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went to Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.

Contacts at Jerusalem

18 Then after three years yI went up to Jerusalem to see 3Peter, and remained with him fifteen days. 19 But zI saw none of the other apostles except aJames, the Lord’s brother. 20 (Now concerning the things which I write to you, indeed, before God, I do not lie.)

21 bAfterward I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. 22 And I was unknown by face to the churches of Judea which cwere in Christ. 23 But they were dhearing only, “He who formerly epersecuted us now preaches the faith which he once tried to destroy.” 24 And they fglorified God in me.