Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Galatians 1:24

"and they glorified God in me." — Galatians 1:24 (ASV)

The word “only” (v.23) suggests that after his conversion, Paul dropped so completely from sight that he was almost forgotten. The only report heard was that the one who long ago had persecuted the church was now preaching the Gospel. Once again Paul stresses his isolation from everything going on in Jerusalem. Would that there were more such contentment among Christians today—the contentment to be unknown! There would be, if this were the goal— to have God glorified (v.24). Too often those in prominent places within the church seek their own glory in Christian service rather than the glory of God.