Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Galatians 1:20

"Now touching the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not." — Galatians 1:20 (ASV)

Paul swears (cf. Romans 9:1; 2 Corinthians 1:23; 2 Corinthians 11:31; 1 Thessalonians 2:5; 1 Timothy 2:7) that this account of his relationship with the Twelve is accurate. He takes this solemn oath probably in order to answer a specific charge of misrepresentation made against him.

That Paul is answering specific charges should be remembered throughout these first two chapters. Each historical event he mentions relates to a specific argument raised by Paul’s opponents. It is important to realize that Paul is not trying to provide a full chronology of his life.