⁹ For I am the least of the apostles^(A) and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted^(B) the church of God.^{(C) 10} But by the grace^(D) of God I am what I am, and his grace to me^(E) was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them^(F)—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.^(G)

⁸ For it is by grace^(A) you have been saved,^(B) through faith^(C)—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— ⁹ not by works,^(D) so that no one can boast.^(E)

⁷ I became a servant of this gospel^(A) by the gift of God’s grace given me^(B) through the working of his power.^{(C) 8} Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people,^(D) this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles^(E) the boundless riches of Christ,^(F)

¹⁵ Here is a trustworthy saying^(A) that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners^(B)—of whom I am the worst. ¹⁶ But for that very reason I was shown mercy^(C) so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience^(D) as an example for those who would believe^(E) in him and receive eternal life.^(F)