Galatians 1:15
Verse
Context
Paul Preaches the Gospel
14I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers.15But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by His grace, was pleased16to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not rush to consult with flesh and blood,
Sermons
Francis Chan
T. Austin-SparksT. Austin-Sparks
Stephen KaungStephen Kaung
Arno Clemens Gaebelein Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Who separated me from my mother's womb - Him whom I acknowledge as the God of nature and the God of grace; who preserved me by his providence when I was a helpless infant, and saved me by his grace when I was an adult persecutor. For some useful remarks on these passages see the introduction, sec. 2.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
separated--"set me apart": in the purposes of His electing love (compare Act 9:15; Act 22:14), in order to show in me His "pleasure," which is the farthest point that any can reach in inquiring the causes of his salvation. The actual "separating" or "setting apart" to the work marked out for him, is mentioned in Act 13:2; Rom 1:1. There is an allusion, perhaps, in the way of contrast, to the derivation of Pharisee from Hebrew, "pharash," "separated." I was once a so-called Pharisee or Separatist, but God had separated me to something far better. from . . . womb--Thus merit in me was out of the question, in assigning causes for His call from Act 9:11. Grace is the sole cause (Psa 22:9; Psa 71:6; Isa 49:1, Isa 49:5; Jer 1:5; Luk 1:15). called me--on the way to Damascus (Act 9:3-8).
John Gill Bible Commentary
But when it pleased God,.... Here begins his account of his conversion, and call to the ministry; all which he ascribes entirely to the sovereign good pleasure, and free grace of God: who separated me from my mother's womb. By his "mother" is meant, not in an improper and figurative sense, the Jewish church, or the old synagogue, the mother of all its members; the Jerusalem which then was, and was in bondage with her children; from which bondage, blindness, ignorance, superstition and bigotry, he was delivered, when called by grace: nor the church at Antioch, which is never called a mother church; and though he was by that church, with Barnabas, separated for the work of the ministry, yet not from it: but by his "mother", without a figure is meant, his real natural mother, whose name is said to be Theocrita; and this separation from her womb is to be understood either of that distinction made of him in Providence, as soon as born; which not only took him, and safely brought him out of his mother's womb, but ever since took special care of him, and saved and preserved him to be called; for all the chosen vessels of salvation are distinguished from others, in a providential way; they are more under the special care of Providence than others are, even whilst in a state of unregeneracy; God's eye of Providence is upon them, his heart is towards them, he waits upon them to be gracious to them, and many are the remarkable appearances of Providence for them; see Psa 22:9. Or rather this designs divine predestination, which is a separation, a setting apart of persons, for such and such purposes, as here of the apostle; and the eternity of it, it being very early done, from his mother's womb; whilst he was in it, before he was born, and had done either good or evil; from the beginning of time, from the foundation of the world, and before it, even from eternity: all which phrases express the same thing, and intend either his predestination to grace and glory, to holiness and happiness, to sanctification of the Spirit, and belief of the truth, and to the obtaining the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ; or his predestination to apostleship, to the work of the ministry, to the Gospel of Christ, to which he was separated in eternity, and in time; reference seems to be had to Jer 1:5 or indeed both, and his separation or predestination to both was owing to the sovereign will and good pleasure of God, as was also his after call: and called me by his grace; which follows upon separation, as it does on predestination, in Rom 8:30 and is to be interpreted either of his call at conversion, by powerful and efficacious grace; when he was called out of Jewish darkness, blindness, and ignorance, into Gospel light and knowledge; out of the bondage of sin, Satan, the law, and traditions of the fathers, into the liberty of Christ; from conversation with the men of the world, among whom before he had it, into the fellowship of Father, Son, and Spirit, angels and saints; out of himself, and off of a dependence on his own righteousness, to trust in Christ: in a word, he was called into the grace of Christ here, into a participation of all the blessings of grace, and to eternal glory by him hereafter; which call was not of men, but of God, as the efficient cause of it; and by his grace, as the moving and procuring cause of it, and without the use of means, the word, which is the ordinary way in which God calls his people; so that it is plain his first light into the Gospel, was not of man, nor so much as by the means of man: or this call may respect his call to the ministry, which was at the same time he was effectually called by grace; and which also was not of man, nor of himself; he did not thrust himself into this work, but God called him; and that of his mere grace and good will, without any respect to any merits, deserts, or qualifications in him.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:15-16 even before I was born: Cp. Jer 1:5; see also Ps 139:13-16; Isa 49:1-6; Rom 9:10-13. • God chose me and called me: For the account of Paul’s conversion, see Acts 9:1-19; 22:1-21; 26:9-23. • Paul’s calling was specifically to proclaim the Good News about Jesus to the Gentiles (Gal 2:7), and he even educated other apostles in what that means (e.g., 2:11-21). • to reveal his Son to me (or in me): This might refer to Paul’s encounter with Christ (Acts 9:1-19; cp. 1 Cor 9:1; 15:8); in me might also suggest an internal revelation (cp. Gal 2:20; 4:6-7) and implies that Paul’s changed heart revealed Christ to others.
Galatians 1:15
Paul Preaches the Gospel
14I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers.15But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by His grace, was pleased16to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not rush to consult with flesh and blood,
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Stop Working, Start Receiving- Grace
By Francis Chan2.7K44:14GAL 1:6GAL 1:15GAL 1:23GAL 2:20GAL 3:26GAL 5:4GAL 6:14EPH 2:8
This sermon emphasizes the importance of God's grace and the need to focus on Him rather than seeking approval from others. It highlights the astonishment at turning away from the grace of Christ to a works-based gospel, stressing the eternal condemnation for distorting the true message of salvation. The speaker underscores the priority of pleasing God over pleasing people and the significance of baptism as a public declaration of faith and association with Jesus Christ.
Revelation of Jesus Christ - Part 8 of 10
By T. Austin-Sparks2.3K59:15Jesus ChristGEN 1:3MAT 6:33JHN 1:1JHN 14:62CO 4:6GAL 1:15COL 1:15In this sermon, the speaker discusses the fall of man and the earth after Adam disobeyed God. The consequences of this fall were immense and far-reaching. However, God did not abandon humanity but reacted with new energy and application towards His Son. The speaker emphasizes the cosmic conflict between God and the serpent, and how God's power and energy are focused on bringing about the victory of His Son.
The Place and Destiny of Man in the Divine Economy
By T. Austin-Sparks2.1K1:03:42Destiny Of ManMAT 6:33ROM 1:162CO 4:42CO 4:6GAL 1:15EPH 1:17COL 1:27In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a comprehensive and revolutionary vision of Jesus Christ. He explains that Jesus is the summation of all of God's previous forms and ways of self-revelation. The speaker also highlights four major aspects that come with truly seeing Jesus: understanding the place and destiny of man in God's economy, grasping the nature and dynamic of ministry in this dispensation, recognizing the nature and purpose of the church now and in the future, and acknowledging the immense significance of Christ crucified, risen, and exalted. The speaker references 2 Corinthians 4:4-6 to support his points.
The Eternal Purpose of God - Part 4
By Stephen Kaung1.6K09:08GEN 16:13ROM 12:2GAL 1:15EPH 1:9
This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding and aligning with the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God, highlighting how our perception of God's will can be distorted due to our unrenewed minds. It explores the concept of God's purpose, which was established even before the creation of the world as a mystery waiting to be revealed at the appointed time. The sermon underscores the idea that God, who is beyond human comprehension, desires to be known and reveals Himself and His will to those who seek Him with a spirit of wisdom and revelation.
Basics of the Gospel Faith
By Stephen Kaung1.3K35:45GAL 1:11GAL 1:15In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that the eyes of worldly people are blinded by the God of this world, preventing them from experiencing the power of the gospel. He uses the analogy of a covered air conditioner to illustrate how even though something is present, it cannot be seen. The preacher highlights that the gospel of Jesus Christ leaves believers with nothing to do because Jesus has already done it all. He urges the audience to trust and obey God's word and to be faithful to the heavenly vision. The sermon also emphasizes the importance of prayer and receiving Christ as the source of grace, which leads to the reproduction of grace and the growth of Christ's character in believers.
The Nature and Dynamic of Ministry and the Nature and Purpose of the Church
By T. Austin-Sparks1Purpose of the ChurchNature of MinistryGAL 1:15T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the profound nature and dynamic of ministry, asserting that true ministry is the outshining of Christ from within believers, not merely a function of teaching or preaching. He highlights the Apostle Paul's transformative experience on the Damascus Road as the source of effective ministry, which is rooted in a personal revelation of Jesus Christ. Sparks further explains that the Church's purpose is to embody this New Humanity, reflecting Christ's presence and glory in the world. He challenges conventional views of ministry and the Church, urging believers to recognize their inherent calling to minister Christ in their daily lives. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper understanding of the Church as a collective expression of Christ, transcending institutional boundaries.
The Acts of the Apostles
By Arno Clemens Gaebelein0ACT 9:1ACT 10:1ACT 22:3ACT 26:10GAL 1:15EPH 2:11Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches about the significant transition in the Book of Acts from the rejection of the Gospel by the Jews to the acceptance of the Gentiles. He highlights the conversion of Saul of Tarsus, a fierce persecutor of Christians, into the Apostle Paul, chosen to bring the Gospel to the Gentiles. The sermon also focuses on the obedience of Peter to preach the Gospel to Cornelius, a Gentile centurion, breaking the barrier between Jews and Gentiles. The miraculous events and visions in these chapters demonstrate God's plan to extend salvation to all nations.
(1.) Gal_1:15-16 : "When It Pleased God,
By F.B. Meyer0Revelation of ChristMystery of FaithGAL 1:15F.B. Meyer emphasizes the profound truth that it pleased God to reveal His Son in us, likening this revelation to unveiling a hidden statue. He explains that while Christ is present in the regenerate believer, He often remains veiled until the Holy Spirit removes the misconceptions that obscure Him. Meyer illustrates this with the story of a woman who, after years of separation, recognizes her son disguised as a stranger, symbolizing the moment of revelation when we truly see Christ in our lives. The sermon encourages believers to seek the unveiling of Christ within them, recognizing Him as the source of their life and hope. Ultimately, Meyer calls for a deeper appreciation of the mystery of Christ in us, which brings glory and transformation.
The Anointing: Light Within Our Dwellings (1 John 2:27)
By T. Austin-Sparks0JHN 16:13ROM 8:141CO 2:12GAL 1:15EPH 1:17PHP 3:8COL 2:81TH 5:191JN 2:27T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the importance for believers to recognize the indwelling Spirit of God as the ultimate authority and teacher, guiding them in all matters. He highlights the danger of relying solely on human counsel and authorities, urging Christians to seek confirmation and guidance from the Spirit within them. Using the example of Paul's obedience to the Spirit's leading rather than seeking validation from other apostles, he underscores the significance of being governed by the Spirit in all aspects of life.
Address on Revival
By Duncan Campbell0RevivalSpiritual Awakening2CH 7:14PSA 85:6ISA 64:1MAT 5:14ACT 1:8ROM 12:12CO 4:6GAL 1:15JAS 4:81PE 2:9Duncan Campbell emphasizes the urgent need for revival among God's people, expressing a deep hunger for a fresh manifestation of God amidst the challenges of humanism and materialism. He argues that true revival originates from God and is essential for genuine transformation, as mere human efforts in evangelism have often left communities untouched. Campbell highlights the responsibility of believers to seek a vital relationship with God, asserting that revival is not merely about filling churches but about filling hearts with God's presence. He shares personal testimony of how revival has profoundly impacted his life and ministry, urging the church to be a beacon of light in a dark world. Ultimately, he calls for a collective commitment to seek God's power and presence for true revival to occur.
Christ Revealed as God's Purpose
By T. Austin-Sparks0God's PurposeRevelation of Christ2CO 4:6GAL 1:15EPH 1:11COL 1:16T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the revelation of Jesus Christ as central to understanding God's purpose, using Paul's transformation as a key example. He explains how Paul's encounter with Jesus brought light into his darkness, illustrating the profound shift from chaos to order and from emptiness to fullness. Sparks highlights that true Christian life is not merely about salvation as a gift but about seeing Jesus as the embodiment of God's purpose. He urges believers to recognize that all divine energy and purpose are centered in Christ, which leads to spiritual growth and liberation. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deeper understanding of Jesus as the focal point of God's plan for humanity.
Epistle 369
By George Fox0GEN 22:18JHN 15:4JHN 16:33JHN 17:141CO 2:122CO 13:5GAL 1:15COL 2:61PE 1:21JN 5:12JUD 1:2George Fox preaches about the importance of abiding in Christ to receive peace and life, emphasizing the need to stay away from the spirit of the world which brings trouble and instead remain in the heavenly region of Christ. He highlights the necessity of having Christ within, as without Him, one can do nothing, and those in Christ are in the election and blessed seed. Fox urges believers to walk in righteousness, power, and joy in the Holy Spirit, keeping their conversation heavenly and seasoned with God's grace.
Has It Come From Heaven by the Spirit of God?
By T. Austin-Sparks0Revelation of ChristPresence of GodEXO 25:8JHN 1:14GAL 1:15HEB 8:5T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the need to return to the foundational principles of Christianity, which have become obscured by human traditions and complexities over the centuries. He highlights that God's desire has always been to dwell among His people, first symbolized through the tabernacle and ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is the true Tabernacle of God. Sparks stresses that the presence of God is what makes any place sacred, not the physical structures or gatherings of people. He calls for a revelation of Christ as the basis for all Christian life and service, asserting that true work for God must be inspired and anointed by the Holy Spirit. The sermon concludes with a reminder that only what is rooted in Christ will endure, as everything else will be tested and ultimately dissolved.
The All-Governing and Dominating Vision: The Seeing of Jesus Our Lord
By T. Austin-Sparks0Spiritual GrowthVision of ChristROM 8:191CO 2:91CO 15:222CO 4:4GAL 1:15EPH 1:18PHP 3:20COL 3:1HEB 12:11PE 3:3T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the necessity of seeing Jesus Christ as the all-governing vision for believers, warning against relying on earthly means for divine work. He discusses the transition from the old humanity in Adam to the new humanity in Christ, highlighting the dangers of mixing the natural with the spiritual. Sparks stresses that true ministry and understanding come from a revelation of Christ, which transforms our perception of our purpose and destiny in God's economy. He encourages believers to seek a deeper revelation of Jesus, which will lead to spiritual growth and maturity, avoiding the stagnation seen in the Corinthian church. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a heartfelt appeal to God for enlightenment and a genuine encounter with Christ.
The Personal Revelation of Jesus
By Randy Jones0MAT 16:151CO 2:2GAL 1:11GAL 1:15EPH 4:13Randy Jones preaches on the importance of having a personal revelation of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the need for a deep, intimate knowledge of the Son of God that goes beyond mere head knowledge. He highlights how the Apostle Paul received a direct revelation of Jesus from heaven, stressing the significance of seeking a personal experience with Christ rather than relying solely on secondhand teachings. Randy challenges believers to pursue a lifetime of deeper revelations of Christ through prayer and seeking Him in a personal, intimate way.
The Centrality and Supremacy of Christ (Galatians 1:15,16)
By T. Austin-Sparks0The Supremacy of ChristVictory in ChristGAL 1:15T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the centrality and supremacy of Christ in the believer's life, arguing that true Christian activity should focus solely on preaching Christ rather than promoting movements, institutions, or teachings. He asserts that the church's existence is contingent upon the revelation of Jesus Christ, and that a genuine inward revelation of Christ is essential for unity and victory over spiritual adversaries. Sparks highlights that believers must recognize Christ's authority over sin and darkness, and that true victory comes from understanding and appropriating Christ as our perfection and salvation. He encourages believers to shift their focus from their struggles to the sufficiency of Christ, as the Holy Spirit works through our faith in Him.
As Many as Touched Him Were Made Whole
By Raymond Golsworthy0PSA 103:2MAT 7:9MRK 5:27MRK 6:56ACT 5:42ROM 1:162CO 5:17GAL 1:15EPH 2:8Raymond Golsworthy emphasizes the importance of touching Christ to experience His saving power, using examples from the Bible to illustrate how faith and personal connection with Jesus are essential for spiritual wholeness. He highlights the story of the woman who touched Jesus' garment and was healed, emphasizing the significance of a personal encounter with Christ. Golsworthy urges Christian workers to present Jesus as a real, living Person who is mighty to save, rather than focusing on themselves or theological knowledge. He warns against projecting self instead of Christ, stressing the need to preach Jesus Christ as the central focus of the Gospel.
The Only True Emancipation From All Forms of Legalism Is to See Christ
By T. Austin-Sparks0The Significance of ChristEmancipation from LegalismGAL 1:15T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that true emancipation from legalism comes from a genuine revelation of Christ, as exemplified in the life of the Apostle Paul. He argues that Christianity is not a legal system but a spiritual movement, rooted in the inward revelation of Jesus. Sparks highlights Paul's transformation, where he was liberated from Judaism upon seeing the significance of Christ, and stresses that understanding Jesus is essential for true freedom. The sermon underscores that legalism obscures grace and that the essence of Christianity is found in the resurrection and life of Christ, not in the law. Ultimately, Sparks calls for believers to seek a deeper understanding of Jesus to experience true liberation.
Homily 64 on Matthew
By St. John Chrysostom0MAT 5:22MAT 8:11MAT 8:20MAT 20:1MAT 20:16MAT 20:27JHN 13:151CO 11:31GAL 1:15HEB 12:14John Chrysostom preaches on the importance of humility, diligence, and self-reflection in the Christian life. He emphasizes the need to focus on one's own virtues and good works rather than judging others, urging believers to emulate the examples of faithful individuals like Noah, Abraham, and Job. Chrysostom warns against envy, jealousy, and pride, highlighting the significance of almsgiving, righteousness, and obedience to God's commandments. He uses the parable of the laborers in the vineyard to illustrate God's mercy and the reward of those who turn to Him, regardless of when they come to faith.
The Beauty of Holiness Is the Beauty of Divine Union
By George Ridout0PSA 139:23ISA 32:17JHN 14:23GAL 1:15HEB 4:10George Ridout preaches on the profound experience of Divine Union, where the soul is brought into a sweet and mysterious nearness and union with God, akin to changing its locality and experiencing a mystical reunion with the divine nature. The journey towards Divine Union involves various degrees such as Conversion, Effectual Touch of the Will, Passivity, Naked Faith, Mystical Death, and ultimately Union with God, leading to a complete absorption in God. Saints like St. Bernard and Madame Guyon exemplify the joy and depth of Divine Union, where the soul lives in God and experiences a transformative union with the divine.
God's Love & Human Sentiment
By Oswald Chambers0ISA 53:3JHN 16:8ROM 5:1GAL 1:15JAS 2:10Oswald Chambers delves into the profound understanding of sin and its impact on humanity, emphasizing the need to recognize sin as a fact, not just a defect, and the crucial choice between letting sin or God rule in our lives. He highlights the significance of Jesus Christ's sacrifice in dealing with the disposition of sin, which is rooted in self-realization and claiming the right to oneself. Chambers also explores the depth of conviction of sin by the Holy Ghost, leading to a transformative relationship with God through forgiveness and identification with Christ.
But I Certify You, Brethren, That the Gospel Which Was Preached of Me Is Not After Man. for I Neither Received It of Man, Neither Was I Taught It, but by the Revelation of Jesus Christ.
By Martin Luther0GAL 1:15Martin Luther preaches on Paul's defense of his Gospel, emphasizing that he received it directly from Jesus Christ through special revelation, not from men. Luther highlights the fragility of the article of justification in believers, cautioning against losing the joy of the Gospel and the dangers of despising God's Word. He stresses the importance of diligently hearing and reading God's Word to create, strengthen, and preserve faith, as believers face constant spiritual battles against various enemies like the flesh, the world, sin, and the devil.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Who separated me from my mother's womb - Him whom I acknowledge as the God of nature and the God of grace; who preserved me by his providence when I was a helpless infant, and saved me by his grace when I was an adult persecutor. For some useful remarks on these passages see the introduction, sec. 2.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
separated--"set me apart": in the purposes of His electing love (compare Act 9:15; Act 22:14), in order to show in me His "pleasure," which is the farthest point that any can reach in inquiring the causes of his salvation. The actual "separating" or "setting apart" to the work marked out for him, is mentioned in Act 13:2; Rom 1:1. There is an allusion, perhaps, in the way of contrast, to the derivation of Pharisee from Hebrew, "pharash," "separated." I was once a so-called Pharisee or Separatist, but God had separated me to something far better. from . . . womb--Thus merit in me was out of the question, in assigning causes for His call from Act 9:11. Grace is the sole cause (Psa 22:9; Psa 71:6; Isa 49:1, Isa 49:5; Jer 1:5; Luk 1:15). called me--on the way to Damascus (Act 9:3-8).
John Gill Bible Commentary
But when it pleased God,.... Here begins his account of his conversion, and call to the ministry; all which he ascribes entirely to the sovereign good pleasure, and free grace of God: who separated me from my mother's womb. By his "mother" is meant, not in an improper and figurative sense, the Jewish church, or the old synagogue, the mother of all its members; the Jerusalem which then was, and was in bondage with her children; from which bondage, blindness, ignorance, superstition and bigotry, he was delivered, when called by grace: nor the church at Antioch, which is never called a mother church; and though he was by that church, with Barnabas, separated for the work of the ministry, yet not from it: but by his "mother", without a figure is meant, his real natural mother, whose name is said to be Theocrita; and this separation from her womb is to be understood either of that distinction made of him in Providence, as soon as born; which not only took him, and safely brought him out of his mother's womb, but ever since took special care of him, and saved and preserved him to be called; for all the chosen vessels of salvation are distinguished from others, in a providential way; they are more under the special care of Providence than others are, even whilst in a state of unregeneracy; God's eye of Providence is upon them, his heart is towards them, he waits upon them to be gracious to them, and many are the remarkable appearances of Providence for them; see Psa 22:9. Or rather this designs divine predestination, which is a separation, a setting apart of persons, for such and such purposes, as here of the apostle; and the eternity of it, it being very early done, from his mother's womb; whilst he was in it, before he was born, and had done either good or evil; from the beginning of time, from the foundation of the world, and before it, even from eternity: all which phrases express the same thing, and intend either his predestination to grace and glory, to holiness and happiness, to sanctification of the Spirit, and belief of the truth, and to the obtaining the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ; or his predestination to apostleship, to the work of the ministry, to the Gospel of Christ, to which he was separated in eternity, and in time; reference seems to be had to Jer 1:5 or indeed both, and his separation or predestination to both was owing to the sovereign will and good pleasure of God, as was also his after call: and called me by his grace; which follows upon separation, as it does on predestination, in Rom 8:30 and is to be interpreted either of his call at conversion, by powerful and efficacious grace; when he was called out of Jewish darkness, blindness, and ignorance, into Gospel light and knowledge; out of the bondage of sin, Satan, the law, and traditions of the fathers, into the liberty of Christ; from conversation with the men of the world, among whom before he had it, into the fellowship of Father, Son, and Spirit, angels and saints; out of himself, and off of a dependence on his own righteousness, to trust in Christ: in a word, he was called into the grace of Christ here, into a participation of all the blessings of grace, and to eternal glory by him hereafter; which call was not of men, but of God, as the efficient cause of it; and by his grace, as the moving and procuring cause of it, and without the use of means, the word, which is the ordinary way in which God calls his people; so that it is plain his first light into the Gospel, was not of man, nor so much as by the means of man: or this call may respect his call to the ministry, which was at the same time he was effectually called by grace; and which also was not of man, nor of himself; he did not thrust himself into this work, but God called him; and that of his mere grace and good will, without any respect to any merits, deserts, or qualifications in him.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:15-16 even before I was born: Cp. Jer 1:5; see also Ps 139:13-16; Isa 49:1-6; Rom 9:10-13. • God chose me and called me: For the account of Paul’s conversion, see Acts 9:1-19; 22:1-21; 26:9-23. • Paul’s calling was specifically to proclaim the Good News about Jesus to the Gentiles (Gal 2:7), and he even educated other apostles in what that means (e.g., 2:11-21). • to reveal his Son to me (or in me): This might refer to Paul’s encounter with Christ (Acts 9:1-19; cp. 1 Cor 9:1; 15:8); in me might also suggest an internal revelation (cp. Gal 2:20; 4:6-7) and implies that Paul’s changed heart revealed Christ to others.