Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 15:9

What does 1 Corinthians 15:9 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 15:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 15:9 means

Paul confesses himself the least of the apostles, unworthy of the title because he persecuted the church of God. This is not false modesty but sober memory. His past sin highlights the majesty of grace that called him. The confession protects the church from exalting personalities and puts the spotlight on God’s mercy. It also strengthens his argument: if someone formerly opposed to Christ now proclaims the resurrection, it is not because he sought honor, but because he was conquered by truth. Humility and authority meet here—Paul remembers his past, yet speaks as an appointed witness of the risen Lord.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For I am the least of the Apostles, having no right to be named an Apostle, because of my cruel attacks on the church of God.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I did persecute the assembly of God,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

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

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For I am the least of the apostles, who am not fit to be called apostle, because I have persecuted the assembly ofGod.

Context

After reporting Christ’s appearance to him (v. 8), Paul reflects on his unworthiness (v. 9) and the operative grace that made him an apostle (v. 10). These verses function as a bridge from eyewitness testimony to the shared apostolic message (v. 11). They deepen credibility by showing that Paul’s authority does not rest on self-importance but on grace. This context matters because Paul will soon confront doctrinal error (vv. 12–19); humility ensures his correction is received as pastoral truth, not personal boasting.

v.8and last of all, as to the child untimely born, he appeared to me also.

v.9This passage

v.10But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not found vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Philippians 3:6

    as touching zeal, persecuting the church; as touching the righteousness which is in the law, found blameless.

  • Galatians 1:13

    For ye have heard of my manner of life in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and made havoc of it:

  • Acts 8:3

    But Saul laid waste the church, entering into every house, and dragging men and women committed them to prison.

  • 2 Corinthians 11:5

    For I reckon that I am not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles.

  • Ephesians 3:7

    whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of that grace of God which was given me according to the working of his power.

  • 1 Timothy 1:13

    though I was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: howbeit I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief;

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