13. You know how I used to live as a Jew. I was cruel to God's church and even tried to destroy it.
14. I was a much better Jew than anyone else my own age, and I obeyed every law that our ancestors had given us.
15. But even before I was born, God had chosen me. He was kind and had decided
16. to show me his Son, so that I would announce his message to the Gentiles. I didn't talk this over with anyone.
17. I didn't say a word, not even to the men in Jerusalem who were apostles before I was. Instead, I went at once to Arabia, and afterwards I returned to Damascus.
18. Three years later I went to visit Peter in Jerusalem and stayed with him for fifteen days.
19. The only other apostle I saw was James, the Lord's brother.
20. And in the presence of God I swear I am telling the truth.
21. Later, I went to the regions of Syria and Cilicia.