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1 Corinthians 15:9
Verse
Context
The Resurrection of Christ
8And last of all He appeared to me also, as to one of untimely birth.9For I am the least of the apostles and am unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.10But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not in vain. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
I am the least of the apostles - This was literally true in reference to his being chosen last, and chosen not in the number of the twelve, but as an extra apostle. How much pains do some men take to make the apostle contradict himself, by attempting to show that he was the very greatest of the apostles, though he calls himself the least! Taken as a man and a minister of Christ, he was greater than any of the twelve; taken as an apostle he was less than any of the twelve, because not originally in that body. Am not meet to be called an apostle - None of the twelve had ever persecuted Christ, nor withstood his doctrine: Saul of Tarsus had been, before his conversion, a grievous persecutor; and therefore he says, ουκ ειμι ἱκανος, I am not proper to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the Church of God, i.e. of Christ, which none of the apostles ever did.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
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.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For I am the least of the apostles,.... Referring not to the littleness of his stature, but to the figure before used, and as expressing not the opinion of others concerning him, but the true and real sense he had of himself, for which he himself gives the strongest reason that can be given; and by "apostles" he means not only the twelve, but all other ministers of the Gospel that were sent forth by Christ to preach it: nor need this be wondered at, when he says, that he was less than the least of all saints, Eph 3:8 though when his person and doctrines were traduced by false teachers, and attempts were made to disgrace his ministry, and render it useless, in vindication of himself, and without vanity, he does not stick to assert, that he was not a whit behind the very chiefest of the apostles, Co2 11:5 and yet here adds, that am not meet to be called an apostle; not only to be one, but to bear the name of one. No man was meet or fit for such an office of himself; none of the apostles were any more than himself; but his meaning is, that though he was chosen, and called, and qualified by the gifts and grace of God for this office, yet he was unworthy to be called by the name of an apostle of Christ, for the reason following, because I persecuted the church of God: he not only consented to the death of Stephen, the first martyr, and held the clothes of them that stoned him; but he made havoc of the church, haling men and women to prison, and continued to breathe out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord; and had letters of commission from the high priest in his pocket, to seize any of this way at Damascus, and bring them bound to Jerusalem, when Christ met him in the way, and was seen by him: according to his own account, he shut up many of the saints in prison, gave his voice against them when they were put to death, punished them oft in every synagogue, compelled them to blaspheme, and being exceeding mad against them, persecuted them to strange cities; see Act 7:1. This he mentions both for his own abasement and humiliation, and to magnify the grace of God, to which he ascribes all he was, had, and did, as in the next verse.
1 Corinthians 15:9
The Resurrection of Christ
8And last of all He appeared to me also, as to one of untimely birth.9For I am the least of the apostles and am unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.10But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not in vain. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Mystery of Multiplication
By David Guzik1.2K30:391CO 15:9This sermon emphasizes the mystery of multiplication in Christianity, showcasing historical examples of exponential growth in the faith. It explores the balance between organic growth, driven by the Holy Spirit, and deliberate planning in spreading the Gospel. The speaker highlights the need for prayer, passion, and self-sacrifice in witnessing God's work multiply, both globally and within local communities.
The Perfection of Jesus
By Michael Koulianos1641:58Faith in ChristResurrectionJesus1CO 15:9Michael Koulianos emphasizes the perfection of Jesus and the critical importance of His resurrection in the Christian faith. He explains that without the resurrection, our faith is futile and we remain in our sins, as the resurrection validates Jesus' identity and the truth of the Gospel. Koulianos highlights that Jesus' resurrection is not just a spiritual concept but a literal event that assures believers of their own future resurrection. He encourages the congregation to understand the empowering presence of the Spirit and the significance of Jesus' bodily resurrection for their faith and hope. Ultimately, Koulianos calls for a deeper appreciation of the resurrection as the foundation of Christian belief.
Homily 72 on Matthew
By St. John Chrysostom0GEN 18:27DEU 6:4PSA 139:23MAT 23:1MAT 23:81CO 3:51CO 15:9John Chrysostom preaches about Jesus' teachings to the multitudes and His disciples, emphasizing the importance of following God's commandments despite the hypocrisy of the religious leaders. Chrysostom highlights Jesus' respect for the law and Moses, urging his listeners to honor their teachers and priests, even if they are flawed, to avoid falling into the same sins. He condemns the Scribes and Pharisees for their love of glory, vainglory, and harsh treatment of others, pointing out their lack of humility and genuine service. Chrysostom encourages humility, servanthood, and equality among believers, drawing examples from the lives of holy men who practiced modesty and selflessness.
Paul's Humiliating Confession
By Thomas Reade0JER 1:17EZK 2:6MAL 2:6ACT 4:29ACT 9:1ACT 14:19ACT 26:91CO 15:92CO 11:23GAL 1:13PHP 3:41TI 1:12REV 2:4Thomas Reade preaches about Paul's humiliating confession, the opposition he faced from the Jews, his reception by the apostles in Jerusalem, and the natural energy of his character. Reade emphasizes the importance of humility in acknowledging our sins and the transforming power of God's grace in Paul's life. He highlights Paul's boldness in preaching the Gospel despite persecution and encourages believers to have unwavering faith and courage in sharing the message of salvation. Reade urges Christians to be examples in love, faith, and purity, following Paul's dedication and zeal in serving the Lord.
Growth in Holiness
By Zac Poonen0EZK 36:26ROM 7:181CO 15:9EPH 3:8PHP 2:31TI 1:15Zac Poonen emphasizes that the Spirit-filled life is marked by continuous growth in holiness, with a direct correlation between personal holiness and the recognition of God's absolute holiness. Using Paul's progression in holiness as an example, Zac highlights the importance of self-awareness and humility in acknowledging one's sinfulness despite spiritual growth. He stresses the need for a genuine desire to please God rather than just having correct theological knowledge, as true holiness is revealed through a sincere heart devoted to God, not just intellectual understanding.
Homily 3 on Matthew
By St. John Chrysostom02SA 16:10PRO 22:4EZK 36:22MAT 1:1LUK 5:8LUK 18:141CO 15:9JAS 4:10John Chrysostom preaches on the genealogy of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the mystery and significance behind tracing Joseph's genealogy and the Virgin Mary's betrothal to him, highlighting the divine purpose of concealing Christ's virgin birth from the Jews. He delves into the importance of humility, urging believers to forget their good deeds and avoid seeking recognition, but rather to focus on virtuous actions without pride. Chrysostom uses biblical examples like David's humility and self-restraint to illustrate the power of a contrite heart and the blessings of lowliness before God.
Unsearchable Riches
By J.C. Ryle0Unsearchable Riches of ChristHumilityJHN 17:4ROM 7:241CO 2:141CO 15:9EPH 3:8PHP 3:121TI 1:152TI 4:2HEB 4:151JN 5:12J.C. Ryle emphasizes the profound humility of the Apostle Paul, who regarded himself as 'less than the least of all saints' while preaching the 'unsearchable riches of Christ' to the Gentiles. Ryle highlights that true humility is a hallmark of genuine faith, as those who are spiritually enlightened recognize their own shortcomings and the vastness of Christ's grace. He urges believers to appreciate the ministerial office as a vital and honorable calling, tasked with proclaiming the gospel and administering God's ordinances. Ultimately, Ryle calls for a deeper understanding of the unsearchable riches found in Christ, which encompass His person, work, and the abundant grace available to all who believe. He concludes by encouraging self-examination regarding one's view of oneself, ministers, and Christ Himself.
Pray for the Church in Syria
By Ignatius of Antioch0JHN 10:11ROM 1:11ROM 9:161CO 15:9EPH 4:3Ignatius of Antioch reflects on the Church in Syria, entrusting it to the Lord as its shepherd, who declares Himself as the good Shepherd. He humbly acknowledges his unworthiness but expresses gratitude for the mercy he has received to serve God. Ignatius sends his greetings to the Churches that have welcomed him in the name of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the unity and love among believers across different cities.
Thou Man of God!
By F.B. Meyer0Living For GodIdentity in Christ2KI 1:9JHN 15:4ROM 12:11CO 15:9GAL 2:20EPH 2:8PHP 2:31JN 4:16F.B. Meyer emphasizes the call to live as true 'men of God,' exemplified by Elijah, who was recognized for his holiness despite opposition. He highlights the humility required to bear such a title, noting that true goodness comes from God alone and that we should not boast of our own righteousness. Meyer encourages believers to focus on being for God, which alleviates self-consciousness and promotes a passion for Jesus' glory. He concludes with the idea that being in God and having God in us is achievable through perfect love, allowing us to be fully permeated by His presence.
John 1:11-13
By St. John Chrysostom0JHN 1:121CO 15:91CO 15:49GAL 1:131TI 1:131TI 1:15John Chrysostom preaches about God's loving and beneficent nature, emphasizing that God draws people to Himself through persuasion and benefits, not force, allowing individuals to willingly choose to serve Him. Despite some rejecting Him, God continues to care for those who disobey, offering them the opportunity for repentance and forgiveness. Chrysostom highlights the infinite goodness of God, who came to His own people for their benefit, even though they rejected Him, showcasing His boundless love and compassion. He also discusses the importance of faith and living a life worthy of the calling to remain pure and enjoy the blessings of being children of God.
1 Corinthians 15:1-2
By St. John Chrysostom01CO 10:121CO 15:31CO 15:91TI 1:12HEB 4:7HEB 12:12John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of humility, gratitude, and contentment in the face of life's challenges. He emphasizes the need to acknowledge our faults and attribute our successes to God's grace, showcasing Paul's humility in recognizing his past sins and God's transformative work in his life. Chrysostom encourages the congregation to focus on eternal values rather than temporary worldly distinctions, reminding them of the fleeting nature of wealth, honor, and disgrace. He urges believers to find comfort in the consideration of future blessings and trials, guiding them towards a mindset of enduring joy and hope in Christ.
The Least
By Gareth Evans0MAT 6:1LUK 9:461CO 1:281CO 15:92CO 10:17EPH 3:8PHP 2:7PHP 3:141TI 1:15Gareth Evans preaches on the concept of being 'the least' in the Kingdom of God, emphasizing that true greatness is found in humility and being willing to be unnoticed, contrary to the world's pursuit of recognition and honours. He warns against using honours for manipulation, citing Jesus' teachings in Matthew 6:1-2 about seeking earthly rewards versus heavenly commendation. Evans highlights the apostle Paul as an example of embracing being 'the least,' acknowledging his weaknesses and allowing God's grace to work through him despite his shortcomings.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
I am the least of the apostles - This was literally true in reference to his being chosen last, and chosen not in the number of the twelve, but as an extra apostle. How much pains do some men take to make the apostle contradict himself, by attempting to show that he was the very greatest of the apostles, though he calls himself the least! Taken as a man and a minister of Christ, he was greater than any of the twelve; taken as an apostle he was less than any of the twelve, because not originally in that body. Am not meet to be called an apostle - None of the twelve had ever persecuted Christ, nor withstood his doctrine: Saul of Tarsus had been, before his conversion, a grievous persecutor; and therefore he says, ουκ ειμι ἱκανος, I am not proper to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the Church of God, i.e. of Christ, which none of the apostles ever did.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
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.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For I am the least of the apostles,.... Referring not to the littleness of his stature, but to the figure before used, and as expressing not the opinion of others concerning him, but the true and real sense he had of himself, for which he himself gives the strongest reason that can be given; and by "apostles" he means not only the twelve, but all other ministers of the Gospel that were sent forth by Christ to preach it: nor need this be wondered at, when he says, that he was less than the least of all saints, Eph 3:8 though when his person and doctrines were traduced by false teachers, and attempts were made to disgrace his ministry, and render it useless, in vindication of himself, and without vanity, he does not stick to assert, that he was not a whit behind the very chiefest of the apostles, Co2 11:5 and yet here adds, that am not meet to be called an apostle; not only to be one, but to bear the name of one. No man was meet or fit for such an office of himself; none of the apostles were any more than himself; but his meaning is, that though he was chosen, and called, and qualified by the gifts and grace of God for this office, yet he was unworthy to be called by the name of an apostle of Christ, for the reason following, because I persecuted the church of God: he not only consented to the death of Stephen, the first martyr, and held the clothes of them that stoned him; but he made havoc of the church, haling men and women to prison, and continued to breathe out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord; and had letters of commission from the high priest in his pocket, to seize any of this way at Damascus, and bring them bound to Jerusalem, when Christ met him in the way, and was seen by him: according to his own account, he shut up many of the saints in prison, gave his voice against them when they were put to death, punished them oft in every synagogue, compelled them to blaspheme, and being exceeding mad against them, persecuted them to strange cities; see Act 7:1. This he mentions both for his own abasement and humiliation, and to magnify the grace of God, to which he ascribes all he was, had, and did, as in the next verse.