John Calvin Commentary 1 Corinthians 15:8

"and last of all, as to the [child] untimely born, he appeared to me also." — 1 Corinthians 15:8 (ASV)

Last of all to me, as to one born prematurely, He now introduces himself along with the others, for Christ had revealed Himself to him as alive and invested with glory. Since it was no deceptive vision, it was suited for establishing belief in the resurrection, an argument he also uses in Acts 26:8.

But since it was very important that his authority should have the greatest weight and influence among the Corinthians, he incidentally introduces a personal commendation of himself. However, he qualifies it in such a way that, while he claims much for himself, he is at the same time very modest.

Therefore, so that no one might counter him with the objection, “Who are you that we should believe you?” he voluntarily confesses his unworthiness. Indeed, in the first place, he compares himself to one who is born prematurely—in my opinion, with reference to his sudden conversion.

For just as infants do not emerge from the womb until they have been formed and matured there over a regular period, so the Lord observed a regular period in creating, nourishing, and forming his Apostles. Paul, on the other hand, had been thrust out from the womb when he had barely received the spark of life.

Some understand the term interpreted as abortive to mean posthumous; but the former term is much more suitable, since he was in one moment conceived, born, and a man of full age. Now this premature birth makes God's grace more illustrious in Paul than if he had gradually, and by successive steps, matured in Christ.