To
the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain those who are under the law; to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law. To the weak I became as weak, that I might gain the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I may by all means save some.
1 Corinthians 9:20-22
1 Corinthians 9 [15.] But I have used none of these things, and I don’t write these things that it may be done so in my case; for I would rather die, than that anyone should make my boasting void. For if I preach the Good News, I have nothing to boast about; for necessity is laid on me; but woe is to me, if I don’t preach the Good News. For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward. But if not of my own will, I have a stewardship entrusted to me. What then is my reward? That, when I preach the Good News, I may present the Good News of Christ without charge, so as not to abuse my authority in the Good News. For though I was free from all, I brought myself under bondage to all, that I might gain the more.
1 Corinthians 9 [20.] To the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain those who are under the law; to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law. To the weak I became as weak, that I might gain the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I may by all means save some. Now I do this for the sake of the Good News, that I may be a joint partaker of it. Don’t you know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run like that, that you may win.
1 Corinthians 9 [25.] Every man who strives in the games exercises self-control in all things. Now they do it to receive a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible. I therefore run like that, as not uncertainly. I fight like that, as not beating the air, but I beat my body and bring it into submission, lest by any means, after I have preached to others, I myself should be rejected.
Meaning:
Answering questions about food offered to idols, Paul urges the strong to give up their rights for weaker believers. He gives himself as an example: he did not use his right to be supported, so as not to hinder the Good News. These verses state the principle behind his ministry.
- Free, yet a servant
Just before these verses Paul writes, “though I was free from all, I brought myself under bondage to all, that I might gain the more.” No human rules bound his conscience, yet he chose to serve everyone, setting aside his preferences so that more might be won to Christ.
- “To the Jews I became as a Jew”
Among Jews Paul kept Jewish customs, so that his manner of life would not close their ears. This is why he circumcised Timothy, whose mother was Jewish, “because of the Jews who were in those parts” (Acts 16:3). But when circumcision was demanded of a Gentile as necessary for salvation, he refused, as with Titus (Galatians 2:3-5).
- “Not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ”
Among Gentiles Paul did not insist on Jewish customs, yet he lived under the authority of Christ. His flexibility had limits: he adapted customs and preferences, never the truth of the Good News or the moral will of God.
- “I have become all things to all men, that I may by all means save some”
Paul’s aim was salvation. He wrote, “I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of the many, that they may be saved” (1 Corinthians 10:33).
The Significance of 1 Corinthians 9:20-22
- Love that adapts
Believers can set aside their preferences so that others may hear the Good News without needless barriers.
- Firm on what matters
Being all things to all people never means giving up the truth. It means holding the Good News firmly while serving others freely.
Cross-References:
Acts 16:3: Paul circumcised Timothy because of the Jews of the region.
1 Corinthians 10:33: "Not seeking my own profit, but the profit of the many, that they may be saved." The goal of Paul’s flexibility.
Conclusion: Although free, Paul made himself a servant to all, adapting to Jews and Gentiles alike while remaining under the law of Christ. He gave up his preferences so that by all means some might be saved.
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible