23 But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed.
23 They only heard the report: "The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy."
23 They only were hearing it said, "He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy."
23 There was only this report: "That man who once persecuted us is now preaching the very message he used to try to destroy."
23 But they were hearing only, "He who formerly persecuted us now preaches the faith which he once tried to destroy."
23 All they knew was that people were saying, "The one who used to persecute us is now preaching the very faith he tried to destroy!"
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Galatians 1:23
Commentary on Galatians 1:15-24
(Read Galatians 1:15-24)
St. Paul was wonderfully brought to the knowledge and faith of Christ. All who are savingly converted, are called by the grace of God; their conversion is wrought by his power and grace working in them. It will but little avail us to have Christ revealed to us, if he is not also revealed in us. He instantly prepared to obey, without hesitating as to his worldly interest, credit, ease, or life itself. And what matter of thanksgiving and joy is it to the churches of Christ, when they hear of such instances to the praise of the glory of his grace, whether they have ever seen them or not! They glorify God for his power and mercy in saving such persons, and for all the service to his people and cause that is done, and may be further expected from them.