+I. Consider what a humble opinion the apostle had of himself.+--"Who
am less than the least of all saints." In his abilities and gifts he
was not a whit behind the chiefest apostles, and in sufferings he was
more frequent and in labours more abundant than they all. But in
respect to worthiness he esteemed them his superiors; for they had
not, like him, persecuted the Church, and they were in Christ and
became apostles before him. Good Christians in honour prefer one
another. True religion will produce self-abasing thoughts. The true
convert forgets not his former character. He reflects often on his
past guilty life, that he may be more humble in himself, more
thankful, more watchful, more diligent.
+II. The apostle expresses his admiring apprehensions of God's grace
in calling him to the ministry.+--To the same grace which had called
him he ascribes all his furniture for the ministry and all his
success. However contemptible some render themselves in the Gospel
ministry, the office itself is honourable.
+III. The apostle's elevated sentiments concerning the Gospel.+--He
calls it "the unsearchable riches of Christ." The blessings of the
Gospel, being purchased by the blood of Christ, are called His
riches. They are called riches on account of their excellency,
fulness, and variety. They are undiscoverable by human reason, and
made known only by revelation. They were but imperfectly made known
in the prophetic revelation. They are of inestimable value.
+IV. Consider the grand and enlarged conceptions the apostle
entertained of the design and importance of his ministry+ (ver.
9).--It was to open to mankind that mighty scheme which the wisdom of
God had formed, and which His goodness had for ages been carrying
into execution, for the redemption of our fallen race. His ministry
was designed for the benefit, not of men only, but of angels too
(ver. 10).--_Lathrop._