1 Corinthians 15:9 Meaning and Explanation
“For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Paul calls himself the least of the apostles, unworthy of the name because he persecuted the church.
What Does 1 Corinthians 15:9 Mean?
Paul explains why he called himself untimely born. He remembers his past: before knowing Christ he had hunted and harmed believers. So he names himself the least of the apostles, not even fit to bear the title, because he once attacked the very church he now serves.
This is honest humility, not false modesty. Paul never forgets what he was, yet he does not stay buried in shame. His confession sets the stage for the wonder of grace in the next verse. For the reader, it is a comfort that even one who opposed God's people could be made an apostle. No failure places a person beyond mercy.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Corinthians 15:9
What does 1 Corinthians 15:9 mean?
Paul calls himself the least of the apostles, unworthy of the name because he persecuted the church.