Galatians 1:15
But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace,
Galatians 1:15
But when it pleased God, who separated Paul from his mother’s womb and called him by his grace. The sequence—God’s initiative, not human merit—highlights divine sovereignty in salvation. The phrase “separated me from my mother’s womb” emphasizes God’s prepertoire for Paul’s mission. The wording echoes Old Testament language about divine calling and purpose, signaling a redemptive arc from opposition to vocation.
This verse centers on divine election and grace. It asserts that God’s calling precedes and shapes human response, underscoring the unconditional aspect of God’s grace. It also reinforces the notion that God’s plans include transformation from opposition to collaboration in God’s mission.
For believers today, this verse invites trust in God’s timing and purposes. It invites humility about one’s own sense of giftedness or importance. Practical steps: cultivate a posture of dependence on God’s grace, discern your gifts as a response to God’s call, and participate in God’s mission with gratitude. When feeling overlooked, remember that God’s calling rests on him, not on human recognition.
Cross-References: Romans 8:28-30; Ephesians 1:4-5; 2 Timothy 1:9; Jeremiah 1:5