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I. WHAT. Set apart to a special purpose, sanctified (Jeremiah 1:5).

II. HOW.

1. In God's purpose from the womb (Galatians 1:15).

2. Actually and generally at his conversion (Acts 9:15).

3. Specially as apostle of the Gentiles at Antioch (Acts 13:2). The first separation preceded the call; the others followed it. Before his conversion Paul separated himself and became a Pharisee; after it he was separated by God and became a Christian and an apostle. The first separation by human pride; the second by Divine grace.

III. WHAT TO.

1. The gospel.

(1)  Good news (Luke 2:10) concerning Christ and His salvation.

(2)  Foretold by Isaiah under this term (Isaiah 52:7; Romans 10:15).

(3)  Called gospel —

(a)  Of the kingdom (Matthew 4:2).

(b)  Of the grace of God (Acts 20:24).

(c)  Of salvation (Ephesians 1:13).

(d)  Of peace (Ephesians 6:15).

(e)  Glorious of the blessed God (1 Timothy 1:11).

(f)  Everlasting (Revelation 14:6).

(4) It is good news in respect to past, present, and future.

2. Of God. God is its Author and subject matter (John 3:16). It is the product of His wisdom and love (Ephesians 3:10; Titus 3:4). Hence —

(1) Its excellence, preciousness, and authority; for the gospel of God must be —

(a)  True;

(b)  Important;

(c)  Full of authority.

(2) The guilt and danger of neglecting it (Hebrews 12:25; 1 Thessalonians 4:8; Luke 10:16).

(3) God speaks in the gospel, therefore it must be heard with —

(a)  Earnestness;

(b)  Reverence;

(c)  Thankfulness.

(d)  Obedience.

(T. Robinson, D. D.)

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KJV: Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,

WEB: Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the Good News of God,