For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
Ver. 9. I am the least of the apostles] Not come to my just size, as one born out of due time, and not without violence. Paulus quasi Paululus, saith one, because he was least in his own eyes, "less than the least of all saints," Ephesians 3:8. Melancthon was of a like self-denying spirit, insomuch as Luther thought he went too far this way; Certe nimis nullus in hae est Philippus, Philip is too low conceited.
Not meet to be called] True humility, as true balm, ever sinks to the bottom of the water, when pride, like oil, ever swims on the top.