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.
By the grace ... and his grace. The repetition implies the prominence of God's grace in his mind as the sole cause of his marvelous conversion and subsequent labours. Though "not meet to be called an apostle," God's grace has given him the meetness needed for the office (Ephesians 3:8; 1 Timothy 1:15). Translate, 'His grace which was (showed) toward х eis (G1519)] me.'
What I am - occupying the honourable office of an apostle. Contrast the self-sufficient prayer of another Pharisee (Luke 18:11).
But I laboured - by God's grace (Philippians 2:16).
Than they all - than any of the apostles (1 Corinthians 15:7).
Grace of God which was with me - (cf. Mark 16:20.) 'Aleph (') B Delta G omit "which was." A C read as English version х hee (G3588) sun (G4862) emoi (G1698)]. This reading makes "the grace of God" everything, and Paul nothing, in his 'labours' after conversion. The reading that omits "which was" implies Paul's cooperation: still, "not I, but grace," implies that though Paul's human will. when sanctified, concurred with God, yet "grace" so preponderated that his co operation is regarded as nothing, and grace as the sole agent (cf. Matthew 10:20; 1 Corinthians 3:9; 2 Corinthians 6:1; Philippians 2:12-13).