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1. Notice the swiftness of the revelation of God's purpose as to the apostle of the Gentiles. An ordinary call to the ministry usually involves long processes of self-examination and observation of God's guiding providences.

2. The distinctness with which Paul comprehended his mission is notable. He continually declares his one, only aim in life to "apprehend (or lay hold of) Him," he says, "who has laid hold of me."

3. This obedient spirit deserves distinct mention. "I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision." He never was. At the end of his life he wrote, "I have kept the faith." But turning away from these and other lines of discussion, let us accentuate the proposition that God has a purpose in our salvation. We ought to know what that purpose is. Am I saved merely to have my name entered on a Church roll? to keep up a form of godliness?No; I am saved for a two-fold purpose — viz., to glorify God's grace in my personal salvation and sanctification, and also to advance the kingdom of God in the world.

1. We infer, first of all, the need of the illuminating light from heaven to make us realise our high calling of God.

2. Again, we see our obligation to fulfil Christ's purpose in our salvation as Paul saw the purpose of his salvation and accomplished it.

(G. E. Reed.)

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KJV: But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;

WEB: But arise, and stand on your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose: to appoint you a servant and a witness both of the things which you have seen, and of the things which I will reveal to you;