1 Corinthians 15:9-11 (WEL) For I am the least of the Apostles and am not good enough to be called an apostle because I persecuted the congregation of God. 10 But by the grace of God, I am what I am, and his grace, which was given to me, was not without effect. I have labored more abundantly than all of them, yet not I, but it was the grace of God, which was with me. 11 Therefore, whether it was them or me, so we preach, and so you believed.
V9 For I am the least of the Apostles and am not good enough to be called an apostle because I persecuted the congregation of God.
See Acts 7:58, Acts 8:3, and Acts 9:1. Paul feels his past sins would disqualify him from being an Apostle, but he recognizes that opinion is wrong, because the King of kings chose him.
What is the sin that plagues him? It is that he persecuted the believers in Jesus.
What is the sin that plagues you?
It is God who justifies the ungodly, gives spiritual gifts, and commissions His people. Jesus is lord of the church.
No matter your background before believing in Jesus Christ, God can still use you.
V10 But by the grace of God, I am what I am, and his grace, which was given to me, was not without effect. I have labored more abundantly than all of them, yet not I, but it was the grace of God, which was with me.
It is God’s amazing grace to use Paul after a life of sin. God does not need to give grace; giving grace is from His love and care for the sheep.
V11 Therefore, whether it was them or me, so we preach, and so you believed.
Them refers to the 12 Apostles of Jesus Christ (Matthias being the 12th). All preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and by means of the Holy Spirit’s ministry, some people humble themselves and believe.
We learn:
• The past does not disqualify us from serving God.
• It is God’s grace.
• The Holy Spirit used the preaching of the Gospel for people to know and reject or believe.
Questions:
• Has your past made you feel disqualified?
• Did you know your past can be a witness to the amazing grace of God?