Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and get information from him, and I stayed with him fifteen days.

Galatians 1:18

If you recall, Paul felt called to reach the nations. Many of us are eager to get to work. We get excited about the next opportunity, or mission, and jump on it.

Many have speculated that after his conversion on the road to Damascus, he spent three days in the city before departing to Arabia. It is unclear how far, or where, exactly Paul traveled to in Arabia, but we know he was there for 3 years.

Many have argued he wandered the desolate country, working out his new faith and reconciling his past with his new divine calling.

Others argue that he left Damascus and the Jews therein to get about his work preaching to the Gentiles of Arabia.

Although it is total speculation, I assume he did what you, or I would have done. He got to work, and probably failed.

I do not believe he had any specific “success” in ministry during his Arabian mission. Otherwise, I think that testimony would be preserved somewhere in scripture. No, I believe he left for Arabia, eager to preach with new-found boldness and fervor. Yet at the same time, probably struggled immensely as he wrestled with an ever-growing faith that challenged everything he ever knew, and had fought for.

I think the Spirit of God often lets us wander in the deserted wilderness to learn about Him, as well as ourselves.

The Israelites did it for 40 years. Jesus for 40 days.

After his time in Arabia, Paul returned to Jerusalem to meet with Peter (Cephas, the rock), and according to this passage, he spent 15 days with him, “getting information”. Sure we are not privy to what information, but we can assume, he wanted to know everything about Christ; their time together, the parables, the miracles… everything. He went to Peter, not to talk, but to listen.

I think this is an important reality for all of us in ministry, or any vocation for that matter. We need to realize the value and importance of other’s stories and knowledge. We need to be better listeners.

What would happen if you sat and listened to someone you respected for 15 days? If you just let them pour into you like that? How would it be if you asked open questions, and were sincerely interested in their valued feedback and insight? Well, I think God would honor it, like we will see in the coming verse, how He honors Paul with fruitful ministry and abundant opportunity, and Paul brings God glory.

The Psalmist who penned Psalm 19 had some wisdom for our day.

May my words and my thoughts be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my sheltering rock and my redeemer.

Psalm 19:14 (NET)

More listening will result in our economy of words being used in more acceptable means. Who is your Peter? Who can you turn to today and be poured in to? Who is helping shape and mold you, holding you accountable to pursue Christs righteousness?

Peace be with you!