Definition: And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ:
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Galatians 1:22. It's a really important and somewhat surprising one! Here's what it means in simple terms: Basically, Paul is saying that he wasn’t known to the people of Judea (the region around Jerusalem) who were following Jesus Christ. Let’s unpack that a little further: “Was unknown by face” : This is a bit tricky. It doesn't mean he was completely invisible or hidden. It means he wasn't recognized by the people of Judea. He wasn’t easily seen or noticed. Think of it like being a quiet person – you weren't always in the spotlight. “unto the churches of Judaea” : This refers to the Christian communities that were following Jesus in the region of Judea (the land now part of Israel). It was a group of people who believed in him and followed his teachings. “which were in Christ” : This is the key part. "In Christ" means that Paul wasn't just following Jesus, but he was believing that he was truly God’s Son and that he was chosen by God to be a follower of His will. It's a statement of his faith – he was truly connected to Jesus through faith. So, what does this verse tell us about Paul? It suggests that Paul wasn’t always easily accepted or recognized within the Jewish community. He faced challenges and perhaps even opposition because of his unique role as a follower of Christ. It emphasizes his focus on being believed by God and to be followed by Him, rather than simply being seen. Why is this important? This verse is significant because it highlights Paul’s personal faith and his understanding of his own identity. It's a foundational point in the story of early Christianity – that Paul was fundamentally defined by his belief in Jesus Christ. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Expand on any part of this explanation?