Robertson Word Pictures - Galatians 1:13 - 1:13

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Robertson Word Pictures - Galatians 1:13 - 1:13


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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:

My manner of life (tēn emēn anastrophēn). Late word in this sense from Polybius on from anastrephomai. In the older writers it meant literally “return” or “turning back.” See note on 1Pe 1:15. It is absent in this sense in the papyri though the verb is common.

In the Jews’ religion (en tōi Ioudaismōi). “In Judaism.” The word in N.T. only here and next verse, already in 2 Maccabees 2:21; 8:1; 14:38; 4 Maccabees 4:26. In these passages it means the Jewish religion as opposed to the Hellenism that the Syrian Kings were imposing upon the Jews. So later Justin Martyr (386 D) will use Christianismos for Christianity. Both words are made from verbs in ̇izō.

Beyond measure (kath' huperbolēn). “According to excess” (throwing beyond, huperbolē).

I persecuted (ediōkon). Imperfect active, “I used to persecute” (see Acts 7-9 for the facts).

Made havock of it (eporthoun autēn). Customary action again, imperfect of old verb portheō, to lay waste, to sack. In N.T. only here, Gal 1:23, and Act 9:31 (used by Christians in Damascus of Saul after his conversion of his former conduct, the very word of Paul here). Paul heard them use it of him and it stuck in his mind.