1Cor 15:8-9 | RWP | e4.org | As unto one born out of due time ( ωσπερε τω εκτρωματ ). Literally, as to the miscarriage (or untimely birth). Word first occurs in Aristotle for abortion or miscarriage and occurs in LXX ( ; ) and papyri (for miscarriage by accident). The verb τιτρωσκω means to wound and εκ is out. Paul means that the appearance to him came after Jesus had ascended to heaven.

‏ 1 Corinthians 15:8-9

As unto one born out of due time ( ωσπερε τω εκτρωματ ). Literally, as to the miscarriage (or untimely birth). Word first occurs in Aristotle for abortion or miscarriage and occurs in LXX (Nu 12:12; Job 3:16) and papyri (for miscarriage by accident). The verb τιτρωσκω means to wound and εκ is out. Paul means that the appearance to him came after Jesus had ascended to heaven.

The least ( ο ελαχιστος ). True superlative, not elative. Explanation of the strong word εκτρωμα just used. See Eph 3:8 where he calls himself "less than the least of all saints" and 1Ti 1:15 the "chief" ( πρωτος ) of sinners. Yet under attack from the Judaizers Paul stood up for his rank as equal to any apostle (2Co 11:5f.,23).

Because I persecuted the church of God ( εδιωξα την εκκλησιαν του θεου ). There were times when this terrible fact confronted Paul like a nightmare. Who does not understand this mood of contrition?