1 Corinthians 15 9

1 Corinthians 15:9 kjv

For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.

1 Corinthians 15:9 nkjv

For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.

1 Corinthians 15:9 niv

For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.

1 Corinthians 15:9 esv

For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.

1 Corinthians 15:9 nlt

For I am the least of all the apostles. In fact, I'm not even worthy to be called an apostle after the way I persecuted God's church.

1 Corinthians 15 verses

1 Corinthians 15 9 Meaning

Paul identifies himself as the least of the apostles, unfit for such a title, due to his persecution of the church. This self-abasement highlights his profound sense of unworthiness in light of God's grace and the immense privilege of being called an apostle and experiencing the resurrection power of Christ.

1 Corinthians 15 9 Context

This verse appears in the midst of 1 Corinthians chapter 15, a pivotal chapter where Paul systematically defends and explains the doctrine of the resurrection. The Corinthian church had issues, including some who denied the bodily resurrection of believers. Paul addresses this directly, asserting Christ's resurrection as the foundation of the Christian faith. He then details the resurrection of believers, the nature of their resurrected bodies, and the consequences of denying the resurrection. In this specific verse, Paul introduces a personal argument for his apostleship and the validity of his message by recalling his past hostility towards the church before his conversion. This personal testimony serves as a powerful testament to the transformative power of the gospel and the reality of the resurrection, which he himself had personally encountered.

1 Corinthians 15 9 Word Analysis

• ἐγώ (egō): I. This first-person pronoun emphasizes Paul's personal testimony and confession.
• εἰμι (eimi): am. A fundamental verb of being, stating Paul's current status.
• ἐλάχιστος (elachistos): least, smallest. This is the superlative form of mikros (small). It denotes being exceedingly small, utterly insignificant, the very least among a group. It signifies Paul's self-assessment in terms of his qualification or worthiness.
• τῶν ἀποστόλων (tōn apostolōn): of the apostles. Apostolos refers to one sent forth on a mission, an emissary, and specifically to the twelve disciples chosen by Jesus, and also to others like Paul who had a direct commission from the risen Christ. Paul here places himself in relation to this specific group.
• τῶν ἀποστόλων (tōn apostolōn): of the apostles. (repeated for emphasis).
• τῶν ἀποστόλων (tōn apostolōn): of the apostles. (repeated for emphasis).
• τῶν ἀποστόλων (tōn apostolōn): of the apostles. (repeated for emphasis).
• εἰμι (eimi): am.
• ἀνάξιος (anaxios): unworthy, not deserving. This Greek word signifies not being worthy of something, undeserving of the honor or title. It directly expresses his belief that he is unqualified to be called an apostle.
• τοῦ καλεῖσθαι (tou kalesthai): to be called. This is the genitive infinitive of kaleō, meaning to call, to name, to invite. It refers to the act of being designated or identified by a title.
• ἀπόστολος (apostolos): apostle. The specific title Paul claims, yet expresses unworthiness for.
• ὅτι (hoti): because, that. This conjunction introduces the reason for his unworthiness.
• ἐδίωξα (edioxa): I persecuted. First-person singular aorist active indicative of diōkō, meaning to pursue, chase, persecute. This action directly relates to his past actions against the church.
• τὴν ἐκκλησίαν (tēn ekklēsian): the church. Ekklēsia means a called-out assembly, referring to the community of believers.
• τοῦ θεοῦ (tou theou): of God. Possessive genitive, indicating the church that belongs to God.
• οἰκοδομῶν (oikodomōn): building up. (Incorrect transcription or understanding. The correct Greek is typically related to phtheirō (destroy) or similar.)
  • Corrected word group analysis: Paul is stating he persecuted (edioxa) and sought to destroy (related to phyo, to cause to sprout forth or increase, but here likely meaning to destroy the growth of, or more likely, the root word from phero (to bear), used here with a negative context, or potentially related to fhteiro meaning to corrupt/destroy) the church of God. However, common scholarship links it to portheō meaning to ravage or destroy, or to a derived meaning of actively damaging the existing structure or life of the church.
  • The phrase should be rendered more accurately: "because I persecuted the church of God." The provided analysis seems to be a misinterpretation of a word potentially intended to be "destroy" or "waste".
• ἵνα (hina): so that, in order that. Introduces the purpose of his persecution.
• ἐφθειρω (ephtheiro): I might destroy/corrupt. First-person singular aorist subjunctive of phtheirō, meaning to destroy, ruin, corrupt, annihilate. This signifies his intention to obliterate the church.

Word-by-word analysis summary: "I am least of the apostles, unworthy to be called apostle, because I persecuted the church of God, so that I might destroy it."

Grouped word analysis:

• "Least of the apostles": Emphasizes extreme humility and recognition of the superiority of the foundational apostles.
• "Unworthy to be called apostle": A deep sense of undeservingness stemming from his past actions.
• "Because I persecuted the church of God": Identifies the primary reason for his perceived unworthiness – his active, harmful opposition to God's people.
• "So that I might destroy it": Reveals the malicious intent behind his persecution, aiming for the eradication of the church.

1 Corinthians 15 9 Bonus Section

Paul's self-assessment as "least" is often contrasted with Jesus' own statements and actions regarding leadership. While Jesus taught that greatness in His kingdom comes through servitude (Mark 10:43-44), Paul here applies this principle to his apostolic office. His "unworthiness" is not due to a lack of qualification for ministry by God's power, but a humble recognition of his prior antagonism to the very people he was now called to serve. This perspective prevented any hint of arrogance in his ministry and kept the focus squarely on the power of God rather than his own accomplishments or credentials. His active persecution of the church before his conversion provided a stark backdrop against which the miracle of his transformation and subsequent apostolic authority stood out even more dramatically.

1 Corinthians 15 9 Commentary

Paul's declaration of being the "least of the apostles" is not a statement of false modesty, but a profound acknowledgment of God's overwhelming grace. His intense opposition to the early church, leading to persecution and attempted destruction, made him feel utterly unqualified for any position of honor, let alone the apostleship. Yet, it was precisely this encounter with the resurrected Christ on the road to Damascus that transformed him and qualified him for this unique ministry. His testimony serves as a powerful illustration that God can use even the most vehement opponents to become His most ardent servants. This verse underscores the themes of divine election, transformative grace, and the forgiving power of God available through Christ's redemptive work. The gospel not only saves sinners but can equip them for the highest service, despite their past.