Caveat: When thinking about “calling” the distinction between salvific and vocational calling is often raised. This is right for there is a real distinction there. However, at least in the first couple of chapters of Galatians, the line between these two callings is drawn much less starkly than we often like. So, Q. Is Paul talking in each instance about his calling to the Gentiles or his calling to God in salvation? A. Yes.
With that, as far as Paul in Galatians chapters 1 & 2 is concerned, calling…
is from God, v.1:1
“Paul an apostle not from man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father.” God alone is the fountain of calling.
guards us from seeking man’s approval, v.1:10
“If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.” To be called is to to cease to be concerned about the thoughts or opinions of any other besides Christ. Calling is a buttress against pursuing the approval of men.
is ultimately from and to the gospel, vv.1:11-12
Paul is saved by the gospel making his calling possible, and his calling is to the perpetuation of the preaching of this very gospel. There is no source for our calling besides the gospel that has rendered it possible and is not the content of our calling.
is all grace, vv.1:15-16a
“When he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me….” ‘Nuff said.
is for the good of others, v.1:16b
“…in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles…” Calling is for the eternal good of others besides ourselves. Our good is caught up in it, but the good of others is primary. We are called for them to whom we herald the gospel.
both does not need and does not negate patient training, v.1:17
“I did not immediately consult with anyone; nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.” Paul does not jump headfirst into ministry. What he does we can’t be sure, but we can safely assume it is to get things straight before launching into his ministry.
does not necessitate notoriety, v.1:22
“I was still unknown in person to the churches of Judea…” Unknown.
has as it’s telos the glory of God, v.1:24
“They glorified God because of me.” When others see us living out God’s calling on our lives it leads to the end of all things: God’s glory.
submits us to the judgement/assessment of the church, v.2:2
“…in order to make sure I was not running or had not run in vain.” Paul doesn’t get to just assume his gospel and calling are right, he submits himself to the authority of other Christians to make that call.
varies, v.2:7
Paul is “entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised” while “Peter thad been entrusted with the gospel to the circumcised;…”
never outranks another’s, v.2:7
…and yet, Paul is called to the different group “just as” Peter was called to his. Their different callings are equal.
must be recognized by the church, v.2:9
“When James and Cephas and John…perceived the grace that was given to me…” Paul’s calling is perceived, or recognized, by the church in Jerusalem.
cuts against individualism, v.2:9
“…they gave the right hand of fellowship to Barnabas and me.” Rather than separate Paul out from others, his unique calling leads to his being drawn into fellowship with other believers.
That, at least in the first chapter and a half of Galatians, is what calling is.
zch