Galatians 1:11–24

Footnotes

1. 20 The conjunction δέ (de) is found in 𝔓46 א*,2 A D1 Ψ 1739 1881 𝔐 sy bo, while γάρ (gar) is the conjunction of choice in א1 B D*,c F G 33 lat sa. There are thus good representatives on each side. Scribes generally tended to prefer γάρ in such instances, most likely because it was more forceful and explicit. γάρ is thus seen as a motivated reading. For this reason, δέ is preferred.
2. 21 Grk “brothers,” but the Greek word may be used for “brothers and sisters” or “fellow Christians” as here (cf. ἀδελφός 1, where considerable nonbiblical evidence for the plural ἀδελφοί [adelphoi] meaning “brothers and sisters” is cited).
3. 22 Grk “is not according to man.”
4. 23 Or “I did not receive it from a human source, nor was I taught it.”
5. 24 The words “I received it” are not in the Greek text but are implied.
6. 25 It is difficult to determine what kind of genitive Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ (Iēsou Christou) is. If it is a subjective genitive, the meaning is “a revelation from Jesus Christ” but if objective genitive, it is “a revelation about Jesus Christ.” Most likely this is objective since the explanation in vv. 15–16 mentions God revealing the Son to Paul so that he might preach, although the idea of a direct revelation to Paul at some point cannot be ruled out.
7. 26 Or “lifestyle,” “behavior.”
8. 27 Because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, a new sentence was started here in the translation. Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
9. 28 Or “among my race.”
10. 29 Grk “was advancing beyond … nation, being.” The participle ὑπάρχων (huparchōn) was translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style.
11. 30 The traditions of my ancestors refers to both Pharisaic and popular teachings of this time which eventually were codified in Jewish literature such as the , Midrashim, and Targums.
12. 31 Several important witnesses have ὁ θεός (ho theos) after εὐδόκησεν (eudokēsen; so א A D Ψ 0278 33 1739 1881 𝔐 co) while the shorter reading is supported by 𝔓46 B F G 629 1505 lat. There is hardly any reason why scribes would omit the words (although the Beatty papyrus and the Western text do at times omit words and phrases), but several reasons why scribes would add the words (especially the need to clarify). The confluence of witnesses for the shorter reading (including a few fathers and versions) adds strong support for its authenticity. It is also in keeping with Paul’s style to refrain from mentioning God by name as a rhetorical device (cf. [although this section deals with passive constructions, the principle is the same]). includes the words in brackets, indicating some doubts as to their authenticity.
13. 32 Grk “from my mother’s womb.”
14. 33 Or “to me”; the Greek preposition ἐν (en) can mean either, depending on the context.
15. 34 This pronoun refers to “his Son,” mentioned earlier in the verse.
16. 35 Or “I did not consult with.” For the translation “I did not go to ask advice from” see L&N 33.175.
17. 36 Grk “from flesh and blood.”
18. 37 For location see ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; .
19. 38 As a geographical region Arabia included the territory west of Mesopotamia, east and south of Syria and Palestine, extending to the isthmus of Suez. During the Roman occupation, some independent kingdoms arose like that of the Nabateans south of Damascus, and these could be called simply Arabia. In light of the proximity to Damascus, this may well be the territory Paul says he visited here. See also C. W. Briggs, “The Apostle Paul in Arabia,” Biblical World 41 (1913): 255–59.
20. 39 For location see ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; .
21. 40 Cephas. This individual is generally identified with the Apostle Peter (L&N 93.211).
22. 41 Although often translated “to get acquainted with Cephas,” this could give the impression of merely a social call. L&N 34.52 has “to visit, with the purpose of obtaining information” for the meaning of ἱστορέω (historeō), particularly in this verse.
23. 42 Grk “But another of the apostles I did not see, except …” with “another” in emphatic position in the Greek text. Paul is determined to make the point that his contacts with the original twelve apostles and other leaders of the Jerusalem church were limited, thus asserting his independence from them.
24. 43 Grk “behold.”
25. 44 Grk “What things I am writing to you, behold, before God [that] I am not lying.”
26. 45 Or “by sight”; Grk “by face.”
27. 46 The Greek verb here is εὐαγγελίζεται (euangelizetai).
28. 47 Here καί (kai) has been translated as “so” to indicate the result of the report about Paul’s conversion.
29. 48 The prepositional phrase ἐν εμοί (en emoi) has been translated with a causal force.