Galatians 1:15-17 reads:

But when the one who set me apart from birth and called me by his grace was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I could preach him among the Gentiles, I did not go to ask advice from any human being, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before me, but right away I departed to Arabia, and then returned to Damascus.

The apostle Paul is a central figure in the New Testament, playing a pivotal role in spreading the message of Christianity beyond the confines of traditional Jewish communities. In his letter to the church of Galatia, he offers profound insights into divine calling to preach among the Gentiles, highlighting the transformative power of faith throughout God’s redemptive plan.

Verse 1:16 reads: “…so that I could preach him among the Gentiles, I did not go to ask advice from any human being…”

This serves as a compass, directing our attention to the heart of Paul’s mission – the revelation of Christ within him. It underscores the deeply personal nature of Paul’s encounter with the Lord of Heaven, transcending human approval or validation. Its a complete reversal of his past, and highbrow position of religious authority which was inflated and validated by human approval.

Paul had a personal encounter with Christ. Paul’s calling is not rooted in human wisdom or tradition but in a direct encounter with the risen Christ. The Damascus encounter and subsequent repentance and redemption becomes the foundation of his ministry among the Gentiles, shaping his understanding of the inclusive nature of God’s grace. He was enemy of God, and Gods people (the growing Christian church), yet God loved Him and called Paul by His grace.

He was to be used in the unveiling of God’s plan. Galatians 1:16 is not just about Paul as an individual but unveils a broader divine plan. It signifies God’s intentional choice to extend salvation beyond the boundaries of Jewish tradition, or ethnic heritage. Christ was reaching out to the Gentiles with the transformative message of the Gospel, and desired to use Paul as His messenger! His new life in Christ compelled him to his new “calling”, to preach Christ to the Gentiles.

You have to understand there the relationship between Jews and Gentiles was contentious. The Israelites saw themselves as God’s chosen people, and they cherished a sense of separateness, holiness and ritual cleanliness. Practices such as dietary laws, circumcision, and Sabbath observance set Jews apart from their Gentile neighbors. This separation was not solely based on animosity but also on a desire to maintain distinct religious and cultural identities, which throughout biblical history was required by God! Even today, tension and conflicts across people groups is very common, especially when religious practices clash and add fuel to racial and ethnic fighting.

Throughout his letters (to Galatia, and others), Paul challenges preconceived notions and cultural barriers, emphasizing that the Gospel is not limited by ethnicity, nationality, or religious background. He argues over and over again, how God sought to break down the walls that divide humanity. The Gentiles, once considered outside the covenant, are now invited into a relationship with God through faith in Christ.

This challenges modern believers to examine their own biases and prejudices. The gospel needs to be shared to every nation and people group. The gospel needs to transcend religion and ethnicity. It needs to be preached to the Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, New Agers and Hindus. Just as much as it needs to be preached in every Asian, Middle Eastern, European, African, Caribean, American, Black White or Hispanic community! The Gospel needs to be shared into every community, no matter the cost!

I have seen and testify to the transformative power of faith in Christ. As Paul preaches among the Gentiles, lives are changed, communities are transformed, and the once distant are brought near through the saving work of Jesus. Let us all partake and share in the redemption offered through Christ!

Paul had a divine calling to preach among the Gentiles.

So do you.

A divine calling, often referred to as a “calling” or “vocation,” is a concept deeply rooted in many religious and spiritual traditions. It involves a sense of being summoned or chosen by a higher power, typically a deity or the divine, to fulfill a specific purpose or mission in one’s life. Christians often talk about wanting to know their call or calling, and many writers, pastors and leaders have answered how to know Gods calling.

Unfortunately, most will be disabled from any action because they will be hyper focused in discerning what their “calling” actually is then doing anything! Sometimes, a pastor, counselor or christian coach can help decipher, encourage and hold you accountable. Regardless of what “specific calling” God may be preparing for you, their is some “universal calls” for all Christians. One of these universal calls is for discipleship and disciple making! I often say “Don’t ask God where you should go or do, but where is He already and what is He doing?”

Brothers and Sisters, take time to reflect on the deeply personal nature of your faiths journey. It isn’t hard to preach the gospel, just testify about the living relationship you have with Christ to everyone you know! Know that God has given you a very special set of friends, coworkers, communities, gifts, talents, circumstances and the like for you to steward for His kingdom movement! .

He is calling you to action today, right where you are! I challenge us to embrace the vastness of God’s redemptive plan, to look around and start breaking down the barriers we have put up ourselves. We need to invite all to experience the transformative power of faith in the crucified and risen Savior. Our hearts need to be focused on preaching Christ among all nations!

And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole
world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

Matthew 24:14

If you need help understanding the “universal call”, or deciphering your specific “calling”, or just want to be encouraged, reach out today!

Peace be with you!

If you want to see how God is moving across all nations – check out this great ministry: 2414