Why does Paul say he was born out of due time?
Answer Request: Why does Paul literally call himself an ἐκτρώμα "abortion" at 1 Cor. 15:8? 1 Corinthians 15:7 Then He [Jesus] appeared to James, then to all the apostles. 8 And last of all He appeared to me also, as to one of untimely birth [prematurely as of one born out of due time]. Besides "abortion", as you mention, the translation of the Greek word also refers to, an untimely birth an immature birth To clarify why Paul describes himself as one of immature birth, you need to understand this brief background of the purpose of Israel in God's redemption plan. Exodus 19:4-6 You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles wings and brought you to Myself. 5 Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. 6 And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. These are the words which you shall speak to the c...