It Starts Small

¹⁸ Then after three years I did go up to Jerusalem to get to know Cephas, and I stayed with him fifteen days. ¹⁹ But I didn’t see any of the other apostles except James, the Lord’s brother. ²⁰ I declare in the sight of God: I am not lying in what I write to you.

²¹ Afterward, I went to the regions of Syria and Cilicia. ²² I remained personally unknown to the Judean churches that are in Christ. ²³ They simply kept hearing, “He who formerly persecuted us now preaches the faith he once tried to destroy.” ²⁴ And they glorified God because of me.

Galatians 1:18-24

Verses 18-19 probably are described in Acts 9:26-27.

²⁶ When he arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, since they did not believe he was a disciple. ²⁷ Barnabas, however, took him and brought him to the apostles and explained to them how Saul had seen the Lord on the road and that the Lord had talked to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken boldly in the name of Jesus.

Acts 9:26-27

Paul finally ascended to Jerusalem. A surge of excitement coursed through him as he met the fervent Peter. He basked in the warmth of Peter’s hospitality for 15 exhilarating days. He also crossed paths with the steadfast James. They shared a common purpose. It was crucial for Paul to forge deep connections. He needed to truly understand them and lay the groundwork for a powerful alliance. It came as no surprise that he only encountered Peter and James. Many of the other apostles were likely swept away on their own divine missions beyond the city’s walls.

In verse 20, Paul passionately conveys a timeless truth. Some may struggle to embrace his words and teachings. Perhaps they believed that a meeting with all the apostles was essential. They thought that their endorsement would validate his mission and message. The core of his message holds firm with unwavering conviction. His authority does not come from human hands. Instead, it comes directly from Christ Himself! Even the apostles, though revered, are fallible. Yet, the gospel Paul proclaims is divinely inspired. It is a flawless beacon of truth bursting forth from the heart of Christ!

they glorified God

This is a powerful testimony! God’s plan works tirelessly for our good, intertwining our lives with His boundless love. Simultaneously, His divine purpose seeks to bring glory to Himself, shining brilliantly in every moment of our journey.

I am the Lord. That is my name,
and I will not give my glory to another
or my praise to idols.

Isaiah 42:8

God is fiercely pursuing His glory! How is it that when we reach for glory ourselves, it’s deemed prideful? Yet when He seeks it, it’s celebrated as just.

Let’s imagine for a moment that I am an author, dedicating countless hours to crafting a magnificent book. It’s not just a book; it’s a piece of my soul. Just before I unveil my masterpiece to the world, someone steals my manuscripts. They audaciously publish it under their name as if it belongs to them! They bask in the glory, reaping the credit and profits that are rightfully mine. As the true author, I am left to ponder—should I stand up and fight for what is just? Absolutely! It is not only justified, but essential for me to march into bookstores. I must also be ready to confront them in a courtroom with the undeniable proof of my creation. This is not mere pride; it is a fight for justice! It is my labor, my creation that deserves recognition! Meanwhile, the imposter is committing a grave sin, attempting to snatch away what I have rightfully earned. Such an act is nothing short of injustice, and I will not stand for it!

A painting embodies the soul of its creator. If you poured your heart into a breathtaking masterpiece, how would you feel? Imagine if someone callously erased your signature, replacing it with their own. This profound analogy illuminates why God passionately desires praise and glory for all He has accomplished. He is not just a Creator; He is the Redeemer and the King of all! God is worthy of the highest glory for His magnificent works! When anyone else dares to claim that glory, they commit an act of injustice. It is a theft from the Almighty!

We rob the One who rightfully deserves glory—God Himself—when we claim it for ourselves from our successes and achievements. Our very purpose in life is to magnify the glory that He deserves! We must not engage in good deeds for the sake of recognition. Paul reminds us that he did not speak for his own glorification. Instead, he aimed to draw hearts toward the one true gospel and urged them to lift their praises to God. In Colossians 1:16, we discover our profound creation for His divine purpose. The ultimate aim of humanity is to glorify God and delight in Him for eternity. Truly, God’s glory intertwines beautifully with the well-being of His faithful believers!

¹⁴ For the earth will be filled
with the knowledge of the Lord’s glory,
as the water covers the sea.

Habakkuk 2:14

We anticipate the glorious day when God’s magnificent presence will envelop the entire earth! What an exhilarating time that will be! I am passionately committed to this divine vision. I illuminate the world with the light of Christ in every step I take.

Yet, we must also earnestly reflect on our own lives and assess whether this transformation is happening now. Do your actions inspire others to praise God? Is the glory of God radiating throughout your home? Are you elevating God’s name in your workplace? Do you honor God in the deep, hidden recesses of your mind?

---

Cross References:

• Colossians 1:16
• Acts 9:26-30

Questions to Ponder:

• How soon after his conversion did Paul go up to Jerusalem to meet Peter and James?
• Why is it noteworthy that he only spent a short period of time with them?
• What testimony did Paul have among the people?
• What does his testimony (persecuting Christ, then preaching Christ) teach us? About God? About people?
• Why is verse 24 significant? What can we learn from that verse?

---

© Kimberlee Smith 2025 http://www.itstartssmall.com All rights reserved.