Conversion and Calling (Gal. 1:15–17)

Paul’s first proof for the nonhuman origin of his gospel, then, was a quick review of his pre-Christian past. His life before Christ was given over to utter hostility and opposition to the very gospel he now proclaimed. Only a radical transformation brought about by a supernatural intervention could account for this change in him. He now moved to the second proof in his autobiographical narration: the divine disclosure that turned him into an apostle.

I. THE INITIATIVE OF GOD (1:15–17)

15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, 16 to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood, 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went to Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.

A. Paul was set apart.