A.T. Robertson Commentary Galatians 1:17

"neither went I up to Jerusalem to them that were apostles before me: but I went away into Arabia; and again I returned unto Damascus." — Galatians 1:17 (ASV)

Before me (προ εμου). The Jerusalem apostles were genuine apostles, but so is Paul. His call did not come from them nor did he receive confirmation by them.

Into Arabia (εις Αραβιαν). This visit to Arabia has to come between the two visits to Damascus which are not distinguished in Ac 9:22f. In verse 23 Luke does speak of "considerable days" and so we must place the visit to Arabia between verses 22,23.