¹⁴ I was ·becoming a leader in the Jewish religion [^Ladvancing/progressing in Judaism], doing better than most other Jews of my age. I ·tried harder than anyone else [was exceedingly zealous] to follow the ·teachings handed down by our [traditions of my] ·ancestors [forefathers].

¹⁵ But God ·set me apart [or chose/appointed me] for his work ·even before I was born [^Lfrom my mother’s womb]. He called me through his grace ¹⁶ and ·showed [revealed] his son to me so that I might ·tell the Good News [preach the Gospel] about him to the Gentiles [Acts 9:15; 22:21]. When God called me, I did not ·get advice or help from [confer/consult with] ·any person [^Lflesh and blood].