1 Corinthians 15:9

Authorized King James Version

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

Word-by-Word Analysis

Ἐγὼ

G1473

i, me

γάρ

G1063

For

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

εἰμὶ

G1510

i exist (used only when emphatic)

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐλάχιστος

G1646

the least

used as equivalent to g3398; least (in size, amount, dignity, etc.)

τῶν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀπόστολος

G652

an apostle

a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the gospel; officially a commissioner of christ ("apostle") (with miraculous powers)

ὃς

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

οὐκ

G3756

not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

#10

εἰμὶ

G1510

i exist (used only when emphatic)

#11

ἱκανὸς

G2425

meet

competent (as if coming in season), i.e., ample (in amount) or fit (in character)

#12

καλεῖσθαι

G2564

to be called

to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)

#13

ἀπόστολος

G652

an apostle

a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the gospel; officially a commissioner of christ ("apostle") (with miraculous powers)

#14

διότι

G1360

because

on the very account that, or inasmuch as

#15

ἐδίωξα

G1377

I persecuted

compare the base of g1169 and g1249); to pursue (literally or figuratively); by implication, to persecute

#16

τὴν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#17

ἐκκλησίαν

G1577

the church

a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth

#18

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#19

θεοῦ·

G2316

of God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 1 Corinthians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within 1 Corinthians chapter 15 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

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