Definition: But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Galatians 1:23. It's a really important and slightly complex part of Paul’s explanation about his own journey and the situation with Christians in that era. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: Paul is saying, “I’ve only heard about this person – this guy who was once trying to hurt us – and now he's preaching a different message.” He's essentially saying he’s been misled by someone who was actively trying to undermine him. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “But they had only heard…” : This means Paul felt like he hadn't truly understood the situation. He wasn’t getting the full story or the whole picture. “…that he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed.” : This is the key part. “He” refers to this person who was attacking Paul and trying to damage his ministry. “The faith which once he destroyed” means that he was actively working to undermine the belief system he was trying to establish – specifically, the gospel (the good news of Jesus). Putting it all together: Paul is saying that someone from the past, who was attacking him and attempting to discredit him, is now preaching a new message. This message is a different way of understanding Christianity, and it’s essentially the opposite of what Paul was trying to teach. Why is this important? This verse highlights several crucial points: Paul’s Perseverance: It shows that Paul didn't give up easily on his faith or his ministry. He wasn't simply accepting a false narrative. The Danger of Misinformation: It warns against being misled by those who try to twist the truth and undermine the core message of Christianity. In short, it’s about recognizing deception and staying true to your beliefs. --- Would you like me to: Explain any of these points further? Give you a more detailed explanation of the historical context? Connect this verse to other passages in the Bible?