1 Corinthians 15:9
For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
Original Language Analysis
γάρ
For
G1063
γάρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 19
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐλάχιστος
the least
G1646
ἐλάχιστος
the least
Strong's:
G1646
Word #:
5 of 19
used as equivalent to g3398; least (in size, amount, dignity, etc.)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀπόστολος
an apostle
G652
ἀπόστολος
an apostle
Strong's:
G652
Word #:
7 of 19
a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the gospel; officially a commissioner of christ ("apostle") (with miraculous powers)
ὃς
G3739
ὃς
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
8 of 19
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἱκανὸς
meet
G2425
ἱκανὸς
meet
Strong's:
G2425
Word #:
11 of 19
competent (as if coming in season), i.e., ample (in amount) or fit (in character)
καλεῖσθαι
to be called
G2564
καλεῖσθαι
to be called
Strong's:
G2564
Word #:
12 of 19
to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)
ἀπόστολος
an apostle
G652
ἀπόστολος
an apostle
Strong's:
G652
Word #:
13 of 19
a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the gospel; officially a commissioner of christ ("apostle") (with miraculous powers)
ἐδίωξα
I persecuted
G1377
ἐδίωξα
I persecuted
Strong's:
G1377
Word #:
15 of 19
compare the base of g1169 and g1249); to pursue (literally or figuratively); by implication, to persecute
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκκλησίαν
the church
G1577
ἐκκλησίαν
the church
Strong's:
G1577
Word #:
17 of 19
a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth
Cross References
Acts 8:3As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.2 Corinthians 12:11I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing.Galatians 1:23But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed.
Historical Context
Saul of Tarsus was commissioned by the Sanhedrin to hunt Christians beyond Jerusalem's borders (Acts 9:1-2). His persecution was so notorious that early believers feared him even after conversion (Acts 9:13, 26). His transformation from 'chief of sinners' (1 Timothy 1:15) to apostle demonstrates resurrection's power.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Paul's frank acknowledgment of unworthiness model healthy Christian leadership?
- Why doesn't Paul's past disqualify him—what does this teach about grace and calling?
- How should leaders today balance confidence in calling with humble awareness of past sin?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For I am the least of the apostles (ὁ ἐλάχιστος τῶν ἀποστόλων, ho elachistos tōn apostolōn)—The superlative elachistos means "smallest, least significant." Paul's humility stems not from false modesty but sober assessment: I am not meet to be called an apostle (οὐκ εἰμὶ ἱκανὸς καλεῖσθαι ἀπόστολος). The word hikanos (ἱκανός) means "sufficient, worthy, adequate."
Because I persecuted the church of God (διότι ἐδίωξα τὴν ἐκκλησίαν τοῦ θεοῦ)—Paul never forgot his violent past (Acts 8:3, 9:1, 22:4, 26:9-11; Galatians 1:13; Philippians 3:6). The verb ediōxa (ἐδίωξα, "I persecuted") indicates aggressive, systematic opposition. He authorized executions (Acts 22:4, 26:10), entering houses to drag believers to prison. This wasn't theological disagreement—it was violent suppression. Paul's apostleship is pure grace.