“Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.”
This James is thought by most scholars to be the brother of Jesus who at first did not believe that Jesus was the Messiah, but later believed and became a leader of the church in Jerusalem.

Paul says that he was abnormally born. Not many of us have the spiritual birth that Paul did.

Concerning spiritual bodies…we have a natural body and a spiritual body. It’s hard for us to comprehend what our spiritual bodies will be like. Imagine an apple seed. If we plant an apple seed, a seed doesn’t grow – ultimately a large beautiful apple tree with leafy branches, beautiful blossoms, and luscious fruit grows. The final result looks nothing like the seed. Our resurrected bodies will be far more beautiful than a “seed”.

“Death has been swallowed up in victory.”
What a statement this is! Death is not defeat. Believers are victors in death because we will have inherited eternal life.

“…because a great door for effective work has been opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.”
Just like Paul, we will have opposition if we are doing effective work for the Lord. Has a great door been opened to us Christians for effective work? Do we have the courage to walk through that door, knowing we will be empowered by the Holy Spirit or are we weak because there are many who oppose us?

1 Cor 15:58
Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

So even if we think we aren't making a difference, God says we are! What encouragement!