Charles Ellicott Commentary Galatians 1:22

"And I was still unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ:" — Galatians 1:22 (ASV)

Was unknown by face.—The Greek is a shade stronger: I continued unknown. If in Jerusalem itself the Apostle had not had time to receive instruction from anyone, still less was this the case with the other Christian communities of Judea. To these he was not known even by sight. At the same time, so far were they from manifesting any opposition to his teaching, that their one thought was joy to hear of his conversion.

The churches of Judæa.—Judea is here distinguished from Jerusalem. The phrase is noticeable as pointing to the spread and early organization of the Church at a date not more than ten years after our Lord’s ascension.

Which were in Christ.—This is added to distinguish the Christian from the Jewish communities. It means, however, something more than merely “Christian.” The various sections of the Christian Church not only professed a common creed and were called by a common name, but they stood in the same direct and personal relation to Christ as their Head. It was His presence diffused among them which gave them unity.