Jamieson, Fausset and Brown on Galatians 1:13

13. heard--even before I came among you.

conversation--"my former way of life."

Jews' religion--The term, "Hebrew," expresses the language; "Jew," the nationality, as distinguished from the Gentiles; "Israelite," the highest title, the religious privileges, as a member of the theocracy.

the church--Here singular, marking its unity, though constituted of many particular churches, under the one Head, Christ.

of God--added to mark the greatness of his sinful alienation from God (1Co 15:19).

wasted--laid it waste: the opposite of "building it up."