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For I am the least of the apostles, who is not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the assembly of God.
Verse Takeaways
1
A Past That Humbles
Commentators agree that Paul's self-description as the "least of the apostles" was not false modesty but a genuine expression of deep remorse. The memory of persecuting the church served as a constant source of humility, reminding him of his own unworthiness and the magnitude of God's forgiveness. As one scholar notes, it was a "nightmare of contrition" that he never forgot.
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1 Corinthians
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13
18th Century
Presbyterian
For. A reason for the title which he had given to himself in 1 Corinthians 15:8.
I am the least of the apostles.
The least (ο ελαχιστος). True superlative, not elative. Explanation of the strong word εκτρωμα just used. See Eph 3:8 where he cal…
19th Century
Anglican
For I am the least of the apostles.—Paulus Minimus. Here, the mention of his conversion—the thought of what he h…
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Baptist
For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I…
Paul reflects on his own unworthiness and on God’s matchless redeeming grace. Though he taught that all are unworthy before God ([Reference Romans …
16th Century
Protestant
For I am the least. It is not certain whether his enemies said this to detract from his credibility, or whether it was entirely on his own…
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17th Century
Reformed Baptist
For I am the least of the apostles Referring not to the littleness of his stature, but to the figure before used, an…
The word resurrection usually points to our existence beyond the grave. Not a trace of the apostle's doctrine can be found in all the teaching of p…
13th Century
Catholic
After instructing the Corinthians about the sacrament and the reality it contains and signifies—namely, grace and its effects—the Apostle now instr…