Galatians 1:13-17

13 I'm sure that you've heard the story of my earlier life when I lived in the Jewish way. In those days I went all out in persecuting God's church. I was systematically destroying it.
14 I was so enthusiastic about the traditions of my ancestors that I advanced head and shoulders above my peers in my career.
15 Even then God had designs on me. Why, when I was still in my mother's womb he chose and called me out of sheer generosity!
16 Now he has intervened and revealed his Son to me so that I might joyfully tell non-Jews about him.
17 and without going up to Jerusalem to confer with those who were apostles long before I was - I got away to Arabia. Later I returned to Damascus,
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.