Galatians 1:15

Translations

Modern

But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by His grace, was pleased

Traditional

But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace,

Literal

But when God was well pleased—the One having set me apart from the womb of my mother and having called me by His grace—

Latin

Cum autem placuit ei, qui me segregavit ex utero matris meæ, et vocavit per gratiam suam,

Original

Greek

English

But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by His grace, was pleased

Notes

Galatians 1:15–16

God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb: God chose Paul for special work even before he was born. This is like how God chose other leaders (see Jeremiah 1:5; Psalm 139:13 –16; Isaiah 49:1 –6; Romans 9:10 –13).
called me by His grace: For Paul's conversion story (how he became a follower of Jesus), see Acts 9:1 –19; 22:1 –21; 26:9 –23.
Paul was called to share the good news about Jesus with non-Jews (Galatians 2:7). He even taught other apostles what this meant (see Galatians 2:11 –21).
to reveal His Son in me: This might refer to Paul's meeting with Christ (Acts 9:1 –19; see also 1 Corinthians 9:1; 15:8). In me might also mean an inner revelation (see Galatians 2:20; 4:6 –7) and suggests that Paul's changed heart showed Christ to others.

Galatians 1:11–2:21

The Judaizers (people who insisted on following Jewish customs) came to Galatia. They preached that both faith and circumcision were necessary. They questioned Paul's authority as an apostle and tried to discredit his message. Paul defended his authority by showing that past events proved his message was the true good news.

Galatians 1:1–2:21

Some people were against Paul and questioned whether he was a true apostle. They did not believe he was honest and did not think he had the right to be a leader in the church. So Paul begins his letter by explaining that he really was an apostle with authority from God.

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul)

Related verses

Jeremiah 1:5
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”
Isaiah 49:5
And now says the LORD, who formed Me from the womb to be His Servant, to bring Jacob back to Him, that Israel might be gathered to Him—for I am honored in the sight of the LORD, and My God is My strength—
Isaiah 49:1
Listen to Me, O islands; pay attention, O distant peoples: The LORD called Me from the womb; from the body of My mother He named Me.
2 Timothy 1:9
He has saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works, but by His own purpose and by the grace He granted us in Christ Jesus before time began.
Ephesians 1:5
He predestined us for adoption as His sons through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of His will,
2 Thessalonians 2:13–14
But we should always thank God for you, brothers who are loved by the Lord, because God chose you from the beginning to be saved by the sanctification of the Spirit and by faith in the truth.
1 Corinthians 1:9
God, who has called you into fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.
Romans 1:1
Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, and set apart for the gospel of God—
Acts 9:15
“Go!” said the Lord. “This man is My chosen instrument to carry My name before the Gentiles and their kings, and before the people of Israel.
Acts 13:2
While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”
1 Chronicles 28:4–5
Yet the LORD, the God of Israel, chose me out of all my father’s house to be king over Israel forever. For He chose Judah as leader, and from the house of Judah He chose my father’s household, and from my father’s sons He was pleased to make me king over all Israel.
Romans 8:30
And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified.

Glossary

Apostle, Apostleship Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Chronology of the Bible (New Testament) Disciple Faith Judaizers Letter to the Galatians Ordain, Ordination Paul the Apostle

Topics

Christian Minister: Call of Christian Minister: Preach Without Authority Election: Paul Gentiles: Conversion of Grace is the Source of The Call of God Grace of God: General Scriptures Concerning Ignorance: Sins of Missionary Work by Ministers is According to the Purpose of God New Age Paul: Called to be an Apostle Paul: Sent to the Gentiles Predestination: General Scriptures Concerning Predestination: Paul Religious Zeal: Exemplified by Paul The Apostles: Called by God The Call of God: To Man Is of Grace When Life Begins

Galatians 1:15

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