1 corinthians 15:8 - and last of all, as to the child born at the wrong time, he appeared to me also.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "1 corinthians 15:8" mean?
This verse, 1 Corinthians 15:8, is part of Paul's argument for the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In the surrounding verses (1 Corinthians 15:3-7), Paul lists several people to whom the resurrected Jesus appeared:
Cephas (Peter)
The twelve apostles
Over five hundred brothers and sisters at one time
James
All the apostles
Then comes verse 8: "and last of all, as to the child born at the wrong time, he appeared to me also." Let's break down the possible interpretations:
Key Interpretations of "Child Born at the Wrong Time" (Greek: ektrōma)
The phrase "child born at the wrong time" or "untimely born" is a translation of the Greek word ektrōma. This word has a range of meanings, including:
Abortion/Miscarriage: This is the literal, most direct meaning of the word. It refers to a fetus that is expelled prematurely, often dead.
Untimely Birth/Premature Birth: More generally, it can refer to something born before its due time, or imperfectly formed.
Metaphorical Sense of Deformity/Imperfection: It can be used metaphorically to describe something incomplete, distorted, or defective.
Given these meanings, here are the most common interpretations of how Paul uses the term to describe himself:
1. Humility and Unworthiness: This is the most widely accepted interpretation. Paul is expressing profound humility and acknowledging his unworthiness to be considered an apostle. He sees himself as someone who should not have been included in the list of those who saw the risen Christ. Here's why this interpretation is strong:
Paul's Past: Paul was a persecutor of Christians before his conversion. He actively hunted down and imprisoned followers of Jesus. He likely felt deep remorse and guilt over these actions.
Contrast with the Other Apostles: The other apostles had been followers of Jesus during his earthly ministry. Paul came to faith only after Jesus's resurrection. He hadn't earned his apostleship through years of discipleship.
Emphasis on Grace: Paul repeatedly emphasizes that his apostleship was a gift of God's grace, not something he deserved. This interpretation fits well with that theme. He views himself as a recipient of undeserved mercy.
Figurative Language: It's not meant to be taken literally as saying he was literally a miscarriage. It is a powerful, self-deprecating metaphor.
2. His Conversion Experience: Some scholars suggest the term refers to the sudden and dramatic nature of Paul's conversion experience on the road to Damascus (Acts 9). The appearance of the risen Christ was a disruptive, unexpected event that turned his life upside down.
3. Polemical Argument: It has been theorized, although less supported now, that Paul used this term in a way to undermine the authority that was being implied that he was an inferior apostle. By stating it in a negative way, in the end it proved his authority.
Which Interpretation is Best?
While the exact nuance is debated, the interpretation of humility and unworthiness is the strongest and most consistent with Paul's writings and the context of 1 Corinthians. It highlights his deep sense of unworthiness and his profound gratitude for God's grace. It aligns with his overall message that salvation and apostleship are gifts freely given, not earned. The second interpretation is a possible supplement. The third is not as agreed upon or as well supported.
In Summary:
Paul is using a strong, self-deprecating metaphor to express his profound humility and sense of unworthiness in being counted among those who saw the resurrected Christ. He recognizes his past as a persecutor and acknowledges that his apostleship is solely a gift of God's grace.
1 corinthians 15:8 - and last of all, as to the child born at the wrong time, he appeared to me also.
What does "1 corinthians 15:8" mean?
This verse, 1 Corinthians 15:8, is part of Paul's argument for the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In the surrounding verses (1 Corinthians 15:3-7), Paul lists several people to whom the resurrected Jesus appeared:
Cephas (Peter)
The twelve apostles
Over five hundred brothers and sisters at one time
James
All the apostles
Then comes verse 8: "and last of all, as to the child born at the wrong time, he appeared to me also." Let's break down the possible interpretations:
Key Interpretations of "Child Born at the Wrong Time" (Greek: ektrōma)
The phrase "child born at the wrong time" or "untimely born" is a translation of the Greek word ektrōma. This word has a range of meanings, including:
Abortion/Miscarriage: This is the literal, most direct meaning of the word. It refers to a fetus that is expelled prematurely, often dead.
Untimely Birth/Premature Birth: More generally, it can refer to something born before its due time, or imperfectly formed.
Metaphorical Sense of Deformity/Imperfection: It can be used metaphorically to describe something incomplete, distorted, or defective.
Given these meanings, here are the most common interpretations of how Paul uses the term to describe himself:
1. Humility and Unworthiness: This is the most widely accepted interpretation. Paul is expressing profound humility and acknowledging his unworthiness to be considered an apostle. He sees himself as someone who should not have been included in the list of those who saw the risen Christ. Here's why this interpretation is strong:
Paul's Past: Paul was a persecutor of Christians before his conversion. He actively hunted down and imprisoned followers of Jesus. He likely felt deep remorse and guilt over these actions.
Contrast with the Other Apostles: The other apostles had been followers of Jesus during his earthly ministry. Paul came to faith only after Jesus's resurrection. He hadn't earned his apostleship through years of discipleship.
Emphasis on Grace: Paul repeatedly emphasizes that his apostleship was a gift of God's grace, not something he deserved. This interpretation fits well with that theme. He views himself as a recipient of undeserved mercy.
Figurative Language: It's not meant to be taken literally as saying he was literally a miscarriage. It is a powerful, self-deprecating metaphor.
2. His Conversion Experience: Some scholars suggest the term refers to the sudden and dramatic nature of Paul's conversion experience on the road to Damascus (Acts 9). The appearance of the risen Christ was a disruptive, unexpected event that turned his life upside down.
3. Polemical Argument: It has been theorized, although less supported now, that Paul used this term in a way to undermine the authority that was being implied that he was an inferior apostle. By stating it in a negative way, in the end it proved his authority.
Which Interpretation is Best?
While the exact nuance is debated, the interpretation of humility and unworthiness is the strongest and most consistent with Paul's writings and the context of 1 Corinthians. It highlights his deep sense of unworthiness and his profound gratitude for God's grace. It aligns with his overall message that salvation and apostleship are gifts freely given, not earned. The second interpretation is a possible supplement. The third is not as agreed upon or as well supported.
In Summary:
Paul is using a strong, self-deprecating metaphor to express his profound humility and sense of unworthiness in being counted among those who saw the resurrected Christ. He recognizes his past as a persecutor and acknowledges that his apostleship is solely a gift of God's grace.