What happened to Paul's converts when they believed the gospel?
Paul's converts, who had been steeped in paganism, mythology, and idol worship, came out of that darkness and stepped into the light of Paul's gospel. Having believed, they came to know God, turning from the fear of evil powers and superstition to the truth.
Les explains that Paul's converts came from a religious background of paganism. The whole world around Paul was steeped in paganism, mythology, and idol worship. These people had recently been steeped in idolatry and paganism, but they had now come out of the darkness and stepped into the light of Paul's gospel. In Galatians 4:9, Paul says, "But now, after that you have known God." Les also notes that superstition is always man's fear and opposing the powers of evil, never a man seeking God. Paul used the same analogy and word that Israel was steeped in, and the pagans were doing much the same with ritual and services. So when they believed, they turned from that fear and idolatry to the true knowledge of God.
Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods.
But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?