What is the meaning of Galatians 1:15? But when God... Paul’s story pivots on God’s initiative, not Paul’s efforts. • In a single breath, everything shifts from Paul’s misguided zeal (Galatians 1:13–14) to God’s decisive action. • Scripture repeatedly highlights this contrast—“But God, being rich in mercy…” (Ephesians 2:4–5) and “All this is from God” (2 Corinthians 5:18). • Salvation’s starting point is always the Lord who steps in uninvited yet welcomed, just as He did for Jonah in the fish (Jonah 2:9) and for the prodigal son’s father who ran to meet him (Luke 15:20). • The verse reminds us that our testimonies hinge on the simple phrase “But when God…,” underscoring His sovereign interruption of our plans with His own. who set me apart from my mother’s womb Paul insists that God’s hand was on him before birth. • Like Jeremiah—“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you” (Jeremiah 1:5)—and Isaiah—“The LORD called Me from the womb” (Isaiah 49:1)—Paul’s calling was predetermined. • Psalm 139:13–16 celebrates God’s intimate craftsmanship in the womb, affirming life’s sacredness from conception. • This truth demolishes any notion that our value is earned later; instead, it is woven into us from the first heartbeat. • God’s foreknowledge comforts believers who may feel accidental or overlooked. As with Rebekah’s twins, Jacob and Esau, His purpose stood “not by works but by Him who calls” (Romans 9:11). and called me by His grace The calling is anchored in grace, not merit. • Grace is unearned favor—Paul, once a persecutor, became a preacher (1 Timothy 1:13–14). • Romans 8:30 shows that those predestined are also called; 2 Timothy 1:9 stresses a calling “not because of our works but because of His own purpose and grace.” • Even our response of faith is enabled by God’s gracious pull (John 6:44). • This refutes any suggestion that the Galatians—or we—must add law-keeping to secure acceptance. As Ephesians 2:8–9 insists, salvation is “by grace… through faith… not of works.” was pleased God delighted to reveal His Son in Paul (Galatians 1:16). • Salvation is not mere obligation; it springs from the Father’s good pleasure, just as He was “well pleased” with His beloved Son (Matthew 3:17). • Philippians 2:13 reassures believers that “it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good pleasure.” • Luke 12:32 echoes this joy: “Your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.” • Knowing the Lord’s pleasure fuels assurance—He doesn’t save grudgingly but gladly, turning former enemies into beloved children (Colossians 1:21–22). summary Galatians 1:15 reveals a four–fold panorama of God’s saving work: He breaks into our story (“But when God”), marks us out before birth (“who set me apart from my mother’s womb”), brings us to Himself purely by favor (“and called me by His grace”), and does so with joyful delight (“was pleased”). Paul’s testimony is every believer’s template: salvation is God-initiated, life-long, grace-driven, and rooted in the Father’s good pleasure. |
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