¹⁴ I was moving ahead in my Jewish way of life. I went beyond many of my people who were my own age. I held firmly to the teachings passed down by my people. ¹⁵ But God set me apart from before the time I was born. He showed me his grace by appointing me. He was pleased ¹⁶ to show his Son in my life. He wanted me to preach about Jesus among the Gentiles. When God appointed me, I decided right away not to ask anyone for advice.