I Corinthians 15:9
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For I am the least of the apostles and am unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
least--The name, "Paulus," in Latin, means "least." I persecuted the church--Though God has forgiven him, Paul can hardly forgive himself at the remembrance of his past sin.
Open source ↗In this chapter the apostle treats of that great article of Christianity - the resurrection of the dead. I. He establishes the certainty of our Saviour's resurrection (Co1 15:1-11). II. He, from this truth, sets himself to refute those who said, There is no resurrection of the dead (Co1 15:12-19). III. From our Saviour's resurrection he establishes the resurrection of the dead and confirms the Corinthians in the belief of it by some other considerations (Co1 15:20-34). IV. He answers an objection against this truth, and takes occasion thence to show what a vast change will be made in the bodies of believers at the resurrection (v. 35-50). V. He informs us what a change will be made in those who shall be living at the sound of the last trumpet, and the complete conquest the just shall then obtain over death and the grave (Co1 15:51-57). And, VI. He sums up the argument with a very serious exhortation to Christians, to be resolved and diligent in their Lord's service, because they know they shall be so gloriously rewarded by him (Co1 15:58).
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
I have become a fool, but you drove me to it. In fact, you should have commended me, since I am in no way inferior to those “super-apostles,” even though I am nothing.
But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison.
They only heard the account: “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.”
I consider myself in no way inferior to those “super-apostles.”
For you have heard of my former way of life in Judaism, how severely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it.
as to zeal, persecuting the church; as to righteousness in the law, faultless.