Christian Monthly Standard

Galatians 1:16 Part 2

In a previous post here, I remarked about the difference between the Son being revealed to Paul or in Paul in Galatians 1:16. I have done some further investigation and found these results.

The translators’ notes for the NET Bible says: Or “to me”; the Greek preposition en can mean either, depending on the context.

Hermon Ridderbos in the New International Commentary on the New Testament (NICNT) says:

More difficult is the exposition of the in me. It does not mean to say that the revelation consisted solely of an internal experience. According to all the data, it also had an external-objective side. The problem, however, is whether the in me stresses especially the internal knowledge and change, consequent upon the revelation in Paul, or whether it could be translated simply as to me or, again, be regarded as supplanting the single dative. In support of the first interpretation, scholars point to Rom. 8:23, Gal. 2:20, Col. 1:19, and Rom. 1:18. For the second, they refer to verse 24, and to 1 Tim. 1:16. And, for the third view, they cite Rom. 1:19, 1 Cor. 14:11, and 2 Cor. 4:3. As we see it, too much emphasis ought not to be placed on the internal character of the revelation, and to me, or simply me, is preferable to in me as a translation. (pg. 63-64)

I think that gives some clarity to the situation. “To me” fits the story line that Paul is telling, but certainly the revelation of Christ would be revealed in the life of Paul from the road to Damascus event until his death.