15:8

as if to one born prematurely: The Greek word rendered “one born prematurely” can refer to a child whose birth comes abruptly, traumatically, and at the wrong time. Paul uses this term in a figurative sense to describe what happened at his conversion when the resurrected Jesus appeared to him on the road to Damascus. However, Paul’s use of this term could be understood in more than one way. Perhaps he meant that his conversion, during which he lost his sight temporarily, was both unexpected and traumatic not only to him but also to others. (Ac 9:3-9, 17-19) Or he may have meant that he had figuratively been born as a Christian (or converted) at the wrong time compared with those mentioned in the preceding verses, that is, after Jesus had already returned to heaven. Or perhaps Paul was speaking of himself in a humble way, acknowledging that he did not deserve the privilege he had been given. This would harmonize with what he says at 1Co 15:9, 10. Whatever Paul had in mind, he clearly treasured the experience of seeing the resurrected Jesus. It proved to him beyond a doubt that Jesus had been resurrected from the dead.​—Ac 22:6-11; 26:13-18.