Galatians 1:11-15 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. For you have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: And profited in the Jews’ religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers. But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace 

‘Revelation of Jesus Christ’ [Greek: apokalupsis] to unveil or uncover. It implies the lifting up of a curtain so that all can see alike what is uncovered. When used of writing, it means to reveal or make clear (1:12; Eph. 3:3); when used of a person, it denotes visible presence (Rev. 1:1; 2Thess. 1:7; 1Pet. 1:7, 13).

‘Conversation’ [Greek: anastrophe] behaviour or manner of life; the whole conduct of life in domestic and public relations. Always translated “conversation” (1:13; Eph. 4:22; 1Tim. 4:12; Heb. 13:7; Jas. 3:13; 1Pet. 1:15, 18; 2:12; 3:1, 2, 16; 2Pet. 2:7; 3:11).

‘How that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it.’ Paul never gets away from this awful past of murdering Christians and of fighting against Jesus Christ. He refers to it several times (1:13, 23; Acts 22:5; 26:9-11; Php. 3:6; 1Tim. 1:13).

‘Profited in the Jews’ religion above many my equals in mine own nation.’ More skilled in the traditions of the fathers than his countrymen.

‘Separated me from my mother’s womb.’ Three stages of Paul’s separation: At birth, in God’s mind (1:15). At conversion, from Judaism to the gospel (Acts 9:15-16; 1Tim. 1:15-16). At his commission, from secular work to the work of God (Acts 13:2; 26:16-18; 1Tim. 1:11-12).

‘Called me by his grace’ – Called me without merit on my part.