1 Corinthians 15:10
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Corinthians 15:10
10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 15 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of covenant, mercy, holiness. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 55 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The church existed in a prosperous, cosmopolitan, morally permissive Roman colony.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-58: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it defends the resurrection as central to Christian faith. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 Corinthians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 Corinthians 15:10
10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
Analysis
But by the grace of God I am what I am (χάριτι δὲ θεοῦ εἰμι ὅ εἰμι)—This phrase echoes God's self-revelation to Moses: "I AM WHO I AM" (Exodus 3:14). Paul's identity, ministry, and transformation are entirely chariti (χάριτι, "by grace")—not merit, pedigree, or achievement. The emphatic repetition of eimi ("I am") underscores grace as the sole explanation for Paul's existence as apostle.
And his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain (καὶ ἡ χάρις αὐτοῦ ἡ εἰς ἐμὲ οὐ κενὴ ἐγενήθη)—The word kenē (κενή, "empty, vain") connects to v. 2's warning about believing eikē ("in vain"). Grace bore fruit: I laboured more abundantly than they all (περισσότερον αὐτῶν πάντων ἐκοπίασα). Yet Paul immediately corrects: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me (οὐκ ἐγὼ δὲ ἀλλὰ ἡ χάρις τοῦ θεοῦ ἡ σὺν ἐμοί). Grace initiates, sustains, and accomplishes—Paul is instrument, not source.
Historical Context
Paul's missionary labors exceeded the other apostles combined: three missionary journeys, church plants across Asia Minor, Greece, and Rome, imprisonment, beatings, shipwrecks (2 Corinthians 11:23-28). His 13 New Testament letters shaped Christian theology. Yet he attributes everything to grace, not personal ability.
Reflection
- How does Paul balance acknowledging his hard work with attributing everything to grace?
- What would it look like for grace bestowed on you to be 'not in vain'—how is grace fruitful?
- How can Christian leaders avoid both false humility (denying their labor) and pride (crediting themselves)?
Word Studies
- God: Θεός (Theos) G2316 - God
Cross-References
- References God: Romans 11:1, 2 Corinthians 3:5, Philippians 2:13
- Grace: Romans 12:3, 2 Corinthians 6:1
- Parallel theme: 1 Corinthians 4:7, 15:2, 2 Corinthians 12:11, Galatians 2:8, Philippians 4:13