To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul describes himself as "less than the least of all the saints," a unique and intensified way of saying he felt utterly unworthy. This profound humility highlights that his apostleship wasn't about personal merit, but about God's extraordinary grace to reveal the boundless, unfathomable treasures of Christ, especially to those outside the Jewish community.
To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is reflecting on the immense privilege of being entrusted with the Gospel, especially for the Gentile people. He contrasts the grandeur of this mission with his own perceived unworthiness, emphasizing that this calling is purely a gift from God's grace. This humility serves to magnify God's power and the boundless, mysterious generosity of Christ that he was commissioned to share.
Paul calls himself 'less than the least of all the saints.' How could the man who wrote half the New Testament feel so small?
Paul's profound humility isn't false modesty; it's a deep awareness of his past.
A Unique Word
He uses a one-of-a-kind Greek word here, like saying 'more least.' It's a comparative built on a superlative, showing his intense feeling of unworthiness.
Why So Humble?
This wasn't just a general feeling. It was rooted in his intense opposition to Christ and the early church. He remembers how he persecuted believers, a stark contrast to the immense grace he received. This past action fuels his present humility.
Paul speaks of preaching the 'unsearchable riches of Christ.' What does this incredible phrase mean for us today?
This isn't about earthly wealth. It's about the infinite, inexhaustible spiritual treasures found only in Jesus.
Beyond Our Grasp
The word for 'unsearchable' means 'unable to be tracked out' or explored. It speaks to a depth and breadth of God's provision in Christ that our minds can't fully comprehend. It’s not that these riches are hidden, but that they are too vast for us to fully grasp.
What's Included?
These riches encompass everything Christ is and does: his redemption, his righteousness, his wisdom, his power, his love, his peace, and the promise of eternal life. They are the source of true fulfillment and transformational power for every aspect of our lives. It’s a Gospel that is far more than an ethical code; it’s an unfolding of divine resources.
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Understand the original words
hagios · Greek Noun/Adjective
Those set apart for God; a common New Testament designation for all true believers who have been sanctified and belong to Christ.
Paul's profound humility in calling himself 'less than the least' stems from his dramatic past as a persecutor. This verse lands in the context of his extensive ministry to the Gentiles, a mission that was divinely appointed and unfolded God's 'unsearchable riches' in a way that was previously hidden.
c. AD 34
Paul's Conversion
Saul of Tarsus, a fierce persecutor of the early church, is dramatically converted on the road to Damascus. He is transformed into Paul, a fervent apostle of Jesus Christ.
c. AD 37-40
Paul's Ministry in Arabia and Damascus
After his conversion, Paul withdraws to Arabia for a period of reflection and receives his apostleship through direct revelation from Christ. He later returns to Damascus to preach.
c. AD 46-48
First Missionary Journey
Paul, along with Barnabas, embarks on his first major missionary journey, traveling through Cyprus and Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), preaching the gospel to both Jews and Gentiles.
c. AD 50
Council of Jerusalem
A pivotal council is held in Jerusalem to address the issue of Gentile inclusion in the early church. It is decided that Gentiles do not need to become Jews or follow all Mosaic laws to be followers of Christ.
c. AD 50-52— this verse
Second Missionary Journey
Paul travels extensively through Asia Minor and into Europe (Greece), establishing churches in Philippi, Thessalonica, and Corinth. This journey further solidifies his role as the apostle to the Gentiles.
c. AD 53-57
Third Missionary Journey and Stay in Ephesus
Paul spends a significant period in Ephesus, a major city in Asia Minor, ministering and establishing the church there. This extended stay allows him to deeply impact the region.
c. AD 60-62
Paul's Imprisonment in Rome
Paul is imprisoned in Rome, where he writes several epistles, including Ephesians. Despite his confinement, his ministry continues as he shares the gospel with those who visit him.
Paul explicitly states he is 'less than the least of all the apostles' here, echoing the sentiment of unworthiness in Ephesians 3:8 and connecting his past persecution of the church to his present calling.
1 Timothy 1:15This passage further emphasizes Paul's self-assessment as 'the foremost of sinners,' highlighting the depth of God's grace in appointing him to preach Christ's riches, even after his former antagonism.
Romans 11:33This verse shares the profound concept of God's wisdom and knowledge being 'unsearchable,' directly paralleling the 'unsearchable riches of Christ' that Paul was called to proclaim.
Colossians 2:2-3Here, Christ is described as the one in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, directly illustrating the nature of the 'unsearchable riches' that Paul was commissioned to reveal.
Isaiah 55:1-3This Old Testament passage beautifully illustrates the concept of spiritual riches offered freely to all who seek, echoing the abundant, unsearchable provision found in Christ that Paul was sent to preach to the Gentiles.
cambridgeEphesians 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;"
8 . Unto me ] A slight pause and new start here occurs in the long parenthesis. The thought of his commission, and of the Divine power which enabled him, leads by contrast to the thought of the personal insignificance and unworthiness of the subject of that power, in view of the field and of the message. less than the least ] One Gre…
vincentEphesians 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;"
Less than the least (τῷ ἐλαχιστοτέρῳ)Only here in the New Testament, and very characteristic. A comparative is formed upon a superlative: more least than all the saints. Compare 1 Corinthians 15:8.Unsearchable (ἀνεξιχνίαστον)Only here and Romans 11:33 (note). Which cannot be tracked out.
Paul describes himself as "less than the least of all the saints," a unique and intensified way of saying he felt utterly unworthy. This profound humility highlights that his apostleship wasn't about personal merit, but about God's extraordinary grace to reveal the boundless, unfathomable treasures of Christ, especially to those outside the Jewish community.
Paul is reflecting on the immense privilege of being entrusted with the Gospel, especially for the Gentile people. He contrasts the grandeur of this mission with his own perceived unworthiness, emphasizing that this calling is purely a gift from God's grace. This humility serves to magnify God's power and the boundless, mysterious generosity of Christ that he was commissioned to share.
Paul is reflecting on the immense privilege of being entrusted with the Gospel, especially for the Gentile people. He contrasts the grandeur of this mission with his own perceived unworthiness, emphasizing that this calling is purely a gift from God's grace. This humility serves to magnify God's power and the boundless, mysterious generosity of Christ that he was commissioned to share.
"To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ," — Paul describes himself as "less than the least of all the saints," a unique and intensified way of saying he felt utterly unworthy. This profound humility highlights that his apostleship wasn't about…
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Last reviewed October 2026