Galatians 1:17 Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.
If Paul was existent today, would have been banned from Churches. Today, churches require people to give importance to the Pastor/Church leaders, and any decision regarding ministry or a change in the church requires the Pastor’s approval. Pastors also confirm with each other to maintain harmony
When I was a Catholic, I saw that the Bishop tightly controlled everything. As a Catholic, one could not do ministry (evangelism), healings or deliverance without the permission of the Bishop. And if the person went against the Bishop’s instructions, then that person ran the risk of being excommunicated by the Church. That means the congregation would socially boycott the person, and Catholic institutions like schools would not entertain the family. In the older times when most schools were run by the Catholic Church, and communication was restricted to letters, phone calls or physical meetings, such threats had serious effects. Today, they do not; they have become like the fatwas issued by Muslim clergy.
Paul knew his commission was divine and not at the hands of any man; thus he did not jump to pay his respects or take approvals from the Apostles.
We need to understand when to be led by men and when to be led by the Holy Spirit. If the Holy Spirit is directly guiding us, then do not belittle Him by reaching out to man for approvals. It is true initially when we are not clear, then we need to reconfirm with those more spiritually grown than us if it is the Holy Spirit, our own mind or another power trying to guide us. Paul was clear who was guiding him, thus he followed the Holy Spirit rather than man.
[Prayer Starter]
Lord, You are Almighty God. You are the Architect of this world, for You created all things. Lord, we pray that we know Your importance in our lives, we pray we do not put man over You…
This prayer we make in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
[Reference Scriptures]
Galatians 1:18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days.
Acts 9:18-22
18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.
19 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.
20 And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.
21 But all that heard [him] were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?
22 But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.
Psalms 52:7 Lo, [this is] the man [that] made not God his strength; but trusted in the abundance of his riches, [and] strengthened himself in his wickedness.
Psalms 56:11 In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.
Dated 28 May 2026
Bro Rollwyn