1 Corinthians 15:10

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} by the grace {G5485} of God {G2316} I am {G1510} what {G3739} I am {G1510}: and {G2532} his {G846} grace {G5485} which was bestowed upon {G1519} me {G1691} was {G1096} not {G3756} in vain {G2756}; but {G235} I laboured {G2872} more abundantly {G4054} than they {G846} all {G3956}: yet {G1161} not {G3756} I {G1473}, but {G235} the grace {G5485} of God {G2316} which {G3588} was with {G4862} me {G1698}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But by God’s grace I am what I am, and his grace towards me was not in vain; on the contrary, I have worked harder than all of them, although it was not I but the grace of God with me.

Berean Standard Bible

But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not in vain. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.

American Standard Version

But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not found vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Corinthians 15:10 serves as a profound declaration by the Apostle Paul, articulating that his very identity, his calling as an apostle, and the extraordinary fruitfulness of his tireless ministry were not products of his own merit or strength, but solely the result of God's unmerited favor. This verse encapsulates the paradox of divine empowerment and human diligence, demonstrating that while believers are called to labor abundantly, all credit and glory for their effectiveness must be attributed to the sovereign and empowering grace of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This powerful statement is situated within [1 Corinthians 15](/1_corinthians/15 "1 Corinthians 15 - The Resurrection Chapter"), often referred to as the "Resurrection Chapter," where Paul meticulously defends the foundational truth of Christ's bodily resurrection and its implications for the resurrection of believers. Having presented a list of witnesses to the risen Christ, Paul culminates with himself, acknowledging his unique encounter "as of one born out of due time" ([1 Corinthians 15:8](/1_corinthians/15-8 "1 Corinthians 15:8 - Paul's Encounter with the Risen Christ")). Immediately preceding [verse 10](/1_corinthians/15-10 "1 Corinthians 15:10 - Paul's Identity in Grace"), Paul expresses his profound humility and sense of unworthiness, stating that he is "the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God" ([1 Corinthians 15:9](/1_corinthians/15-9 "1 Corinthians 15:9 - Paul's Humility")). Thus, [verse 10](/1_corinthians/15-10 "1 Corinthians 15:10 - Paul's Identity in Grace") serves as Paul's explanation for how, despite his past and unworthiness, he could not only be an apostle but also labor with such extraordinary effectiveness, attributing it entirely to the transformative and empowering grace of God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul, originally known as Saul of Tarsus, was a highly educated and zealous Pharisee who actively persecuted the nascent Christian church ([Acts 9:1-2](/acts/9-1-2 "Acts 9:1-2 - Saul's Persecution of Believers")). His dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus ([Acts 9:3-9](/acts/9-3-9 "Acts 9:3-9 - Saul's Conversion on the Damascus Road")) was a pivotal, divinely orchestrated event that transformed him from a persecutor into the most prolific apostle to the Gentiles. This personal history profoundly shaped his theology, particularly his understanding of grace. In a Greco-Roman world that highly valued human achievement, rhetoric, and social standing, Paul's consistent emphasis on God's unmerited favor as the sole basis for his identity and ministry was counter-cultural. His tireless missionary journeys, enduring immense suffering, hardship, and opposition ([2 Corinthians 11:23-28](/2_corinthians/11-23-28 "2 Corinthians 11:23-28 - Paul's Sufferings and Labors")), provide a tangible demonstration of the "abundant labor" he references. Yet, despite these monumental efforts, Paul consistently deflected praise from himself, ensuring that God alone received the glory.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Corinthians 15:10](/1_corinthians/15-10 "1 Corinthians 15:10 - Paul's Identity in Grace") contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes found throughout Paul's epistles and the broader New Testament.
* **The Sovereignty and Efficacy of Divine Grace:** The verse unequivocally establishes that Paul's identity and calling are rooted in God's unmerited favor, not his own merit. This underscores the New Testament's consistent teaching that salvation ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")) and spiritual gifting ([Romans 12:6](/romans/12-6 "Romans 12:6 - Gifts According to Grace")) are entirely gifts of grace. Furthermore, grace is not passive; it is an active, empowering force that enables believers to fulfill their divine calling and produce fruit.
* **The Paradox of Human Effort and Divine Power:** Paul's declaration of having "laboured more abundantly than they all" is immediately qualified by "yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me." This highlights a central biblical paradox: believers are called to exert maximum effort and diligence in their service, yet recognize that all true effectiveness and fruitfulness stem from God's empowering presence and work within them ([Philippians 2:12-13](/philippians/2-12-13 "Philippians 2:12-13 - God Working in Us")).
* **Humility and the Glory of God:** Despite his immense accomplishments, Paul consistently points away from himself and towards God as the source of his strength and success. This models profound humility and ensures that all glory for spiritual achievements is rightly ascribed to God alone, a theme prevalent throughout Paul's writings, such as in [2 Corinthians 3:5](/2_corinthians/3-5 "2 Corinthians 3:5 - Our Sufficiency is from God").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **grace (Greek, _cháris'_):** G5485. This term fundamentally means "graciousness (as gratifying)," encompassing unmerited favor, divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life, including gratitude. In [1 Corinthians 15:10](/1_corinthians/15-10 "1 Corinthians 15:10 - Paul's Identity in Grace"), Paul's repeated use of _cháris_ emphasizes that God's undeserved kindness not only saved him from his past as a persecutor but also called him to apostleship and continuously empowered him for his demanding ministry. It is the active, enabling presence of God.
* **I am (Greek, _eimí'_):** G1510. This is the first person singular present indicative form of the verb "to be," used emphatically. Paul's declaration, "I am what I am," is a humble yet firm assertion of his current identity and status. It signifies that his very existence, his transformed nature, and his divinely appointed role as an apostle are entirely a product of God's sovereign will and gracious action, not his own inherent qualities or past achievements.
* **in vain (Greek, _kenós'_):** G2756. This word means "empty" or "without effect," literally or figuratively. Paul's assertion that God's grace "was not in vain" signifies that the divine favor bestowed upon him was not barren, unproductive, or without purpose. On the contrary, it yielded abundant fruit in his diligent labor and successful ministry, demonstrating that God's grace is inherently dynamic and effective, always achieving its intended transformative and empowering purpose.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But by the grace of God I am what I am":** Paul begins with a strong adversative conjunction ("But"), contrasting his present state with his previous unworthiness mentioned in [1 Corinthians 15:9](/1_corinthians/15-9 "1 Corinthians 15:9 - Paul's Humility"). His entire identity, his transformed being, and his divinely appointed status as an apostle are not self-derived but are a direct, unmerited gift from God. This clause emphasizes God's sovereign initiative and Paul's complete dependence on divine favor for his very existence and calling.
* **"and his grace which [was bestowed] upon me was not in vain":** This clause highlights the active and productive nature of God's grace. The grace God extended to Paul was not a passive gift, nor was it ineffective. Instead, it was a dynamic force that achieved its intended purpose in Paul's life and ministry. It implies that divine grace empowers, transforms, and produces tangible results, leading to purposeful action rather than mere inert acceptance.
* **"but I laboured more abundantly than they all":** Here, Paul asserts his extraordinary diligence and tireless effort in ministry, even claiming to have surpassed other apostles in his work. This is a factual statement reflecting his extensive missionary journeys, church planting, teaching, and enduring immense suffering for the Gospel. It underscores the human responsibility to respond actively and diligently to the empowering grace of God.
* **"yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me."** This concluding clause serves as the theological climax and crucial qualification to Paul's claim of abundant labor. Despite his immense personal effort and accomplishments, Paul immediately deflects all credit from himself ("not I"). He attributes the true agency and power behind his labor and its fruitfulness to "the grace of God which was with me." This demonstrates profound humility and ensures that God receives all glory, illustrating the synergistic yet divinely-initiated nature of Christian service, where human effort is real but divinely enabled.

#### Literary Devices
[1 Corinthians 15:10](/1_corinthians/15-10 "1 Corinthians 15:10 - Paul's Identity in Grace") is rich in rhetorical and literary devices that amplify its theological message. The most prominent is **Paradox**, evident in Paul's simultaneous assertion of his diligent labor ("I laboured more abundantly than they all") and his immediate qualification that it was "not I, but the grace of God which was with me." This creates a tension that highlights the divine-human cooperation in ministry, where human effort is genuine and necessary, yet divine power is the ultimate source of effectiveness and fruitfulness. The verse also employs **Repetition** of the word "grace" (Greek, _cháris_) three times, underscoring its absolute centrality to Paul's identity, calling, and ministry. This strategic repetition emphasizes that grace is the sole origin, sustaining power, and ultimate explanation for everything Paul is and does. Furthermore, Paul uses **Contrast** effectively, particularly with the opening "But" (Greek, _dé_) which sets his current state of grace-enabled apostleship apart from his past as a persecutor, and the "yet not I, but..." construction, which starkly contrasts human agency with divine enablement. This rhetorical device ensures the reader understands that the ultimate source of Paul's effectiveness and identity is God alone.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[1 Corinthians 15:10](/1_corinthians/15-10 "1 Corinthians 15:10 - Paul's Identity in Grace") offers a profound theological insight into the nature of Christian existence and service. It teaches that grace is not merely a concept for initial salvation, but an ongoing, active, and empowering force that shapes our identity, enables our service, and sustains our efforts. Paul's experience demonstrates that true spiritual effectiveness is a product of God's unmerited favor working through willing human vessels. This verse challenges any notion of self-sufficiency in ministry or spiritual life, compelling believers to acknowledge God as the ultimate source of their strength, abilities, and accomplishments. It fosters a deep sense of humility and gratitude, redirecting all glory to the One who truly enables.

* [Ephesians 2:8-10](/ephesians/2-8-10 "Ephesians 2:8-10 - Grace for Salvation and Good Works")
* [Philippians 2:12-13](/philippians/2-12-13 "Philippians 2:12-13 - God Working in Us")
* [2 Corinthians 3:5](/2_corinthians/3-5 "2 Corinthians 3:5 - Our Sufficiency is from God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[1 Corinthians 15:10](/1_corinthians/15-10 "1 Corinthians 15:10 - Paul's Identity in Grace") provides timeless lessons for every believer. Firstly, it calls us to embrace our identity in Christ as a gift of divine grace. Our worth, purpose, and spiritual standing are not based on our achievements, failures, or inherent qualities, but entirely on God's loving acceptance and sovereign calling. This truth liberates us from the burden of performance-based identity. Secondly, Paul's example reminds us that God's grace is not passive; it is an active, empowering force that should motivate us to diligent action, not complacency. His grace enables us to labor, to serve, and to live a life that honors Him. We are called to work hard in our vocations, ministries, and daily lives, but always with the profound understanding that our strength, wisdom, and effectiveness come from God alone. This perspective guards against both the pride that can accompany success and the despair that can arise from perceived weakness. Ultimately, this verse compels us to consistently attribute all our successes, spiritual growth, and transformative impact to the One who truly enables them, fostering a spirit of profound gratitude and unwavering dependence on God rather than self-reliance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding "by the grace of God I am what I am" shape your self-perception and identity in Christ?**
* **In what areas of your life or ministry are you tempted to rely on your own strength or merit rather than God's empowering grace?**
* **How can you more intentionally acknowledge God's grace as the source of your efforts and successes, ensuring that He receives all the glory?**

### FAQ
**What does Paul mean by "I am what I am"?**

Answer: When Paul states, "I am what I am," he is making a humble yet firm declaration of his divinely appointed identity and status as an apostle. Given his past as a persecutor of the church ([1 Corinthians 15:9](/1_corinthians/15-9 "1 Corinthians 15:9 - Paul's Humility")), he acknowledges that his current position and effectiveness are not due to any personal merit or past achievements. Instead, his very existence, his transformation, and his apostolic calling are entirely dependent on God's unmerited favor. It echoes a divine self-declaration (e.g., "I AM THAT I AM" in [Exodus 3:14](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - God's Name")) but applies it to Paul's divinely defined and sustained identity.

**How can grace be "not in vain"?**

Answer: The phrase "his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain" highlights the active and productive nature of divine grace. God's grace is not a passive or inert gift; it is an empowering force that produces tangible results. For Paul, this meant that the grace he received enabled him to "labour more abundantly than they all." It signifies that divine grace, when received and responded to, leads to purposeful action, transformation, and fruitfulness in the believer's life and ministry, ensuring that God's purposes are fulfilled through human instruments.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 Corinthians 15:10](/1_corinthians/15-10 "1 Corinthians 15:10 - Paul's Identity in Grace") finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ, who is the very embodiment and source of all grace. Paul's experience of being "what I am" by God's grace is a direct consequence of Christ's redemptive work. It was through Christ's death and resurrection that God's grace was poured out, making salvation and empowerment for service available to humanity ([John 1:16-17](/john/1-16-17 "John 1:16-17 - Grace and Truth Through Jesus Christ")). Paul's transformation from persecutor to apostle is a powerful testament to the sovereign and transformative power of Christ's grace, which calls the unworthy and equips them for extraordinary service. Furthermore, Paul's diligent labor, empowered by grace, mirrors Christ's own tireless work in fulfilling the Father's will, even to the point of self-emptying ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Grace in Poverty")). Our ability to labor effectively, like Paul's, is not from ourselves but is a participation in Christ's ongoing work through His indwelling Spirit ([Colossians 1:29](/colossians/1-29 "Colossians 1:29 - Paul's Labor by Christ's Power")). Thus, the verse ultimately points to Christ as the one "through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand" ([Romans 5:2](/romans/5-2 "Romans 5:2 - Access to Grace Through Faith")), enabling us to do "all things through Christ who strengthens me" ([Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - I Can Do All Things Through Christ")), ensuring that all glory redounds to Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

2 Corinthians 3:5

Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency [is] of God;

Philippians 2:13

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of [his] good pleasure.

Ephesians 3:7

Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.

Ephesians 3:8

Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;

Galatians 2:8

(For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)

Ephesians 2:7

That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in [his] kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.