Paul’s testimony accords with what we read in Acts (Acts 7:58 – 8:3; Acts 9:1–2, Acts 9:13–14, Acts 9:21; Acts 22:3–5, Acts 22:19–20; Acts 26:4–5, Acts 26:9–11, Acts 26:14–15) and is also confirmed elsewhere in his letters (1 Corinthians 15:9; Philippians 3:6; 1 Timothy 1:13–16).1 His history as a persecutor formed part of his preaching (1 Corinthians 15:8–10; Philippians 3:6; 1 Timothy 1:13) and was heard by the Galatians when he was with them.2 It is mentioned once again to emphasize the grace of God and the fact that a complete break occurred in Paul’s life when God called him to be an apostle.3
13 For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it.