it pleased God The commentary of Theodore of Mopsuestia on this expression is apt. "St Paul well refers it to the Divine foreknowledge, so that before he himself had any being, this should appear the good pleasure of God concerning him; and that so his preaching might be regarded as far enough removed from novelty or human invention." In personal religion no less than in doctrinal theology we must humbly recognise this good pleasure of God as the source of every blessing which the Gospel conveys to us.

separated me … womb -Set me apart from my birth," comp. Jeremiah 1:5. The good pleasure was from all eternity, the setting apart was at birth, the call was on the road to Damascus, the revelation, then and subsequently.

by his grace Comp. Art. xvii., "They be called according to God's purpose by His Spirit working in due season; they through grace obey the calling."

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