1 Corinthians 9:19-23 (WEL) 19 For even though I am free from all, yet I have made myself a servant to all so that I may win even more people. 20 To the Jews I became as a Jew so that I might win the Jews. To those under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law. 21 To those who are without the law, as one without the law—not actually without God’s law, but under Christ’s law—so that I might win those who don’t have the law. 22 To the weak I became as if I were weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all so that I might by any means save some. 23 I do this for the Good News’s sake, that I might share it with you.
V19 For even though I am free from all, yet I have made myself a servant to all so that I may win even more people.
Free = not under Mosaic law (Romans 6:14-15 and Galatians 5:18). Paul is now under the Law of Christ (Romans 8:2, Galatians 6:2, James 1:25, and James 2:12).
Paul’s motives are to serve Jesus Christ and glorify Him; he also wanted to see people believe in the Gospel.
V20 To the Jews I became as a Jew so that I might win the Jews. To those under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law.
Many times Paul began a new location for ministering at a synagogue to show the people that the prophets predicted Jesus and the Gospel. Even though Paul was commissioned specifically to the Gentiles, he would preach to anyone.
You can see how concerned Paul was for his fellow Jews by reading Romans 9-11.
(Ryrie Study Bible Notes) “When ministering to Jews, Paul became as one under the Mosaic Law. When working with Gentiles (them that are without law), he accommodated to them. But in neither case was he lawless, always submitting himself to the highest law, the law [of] Christ.”
V21 To those who are without the law, as one without the law—not actually without God’s law, but under Christ’s law—so that I might win those who don’t have the law.
One can see his preaching example in Acts 17:22-34. We must be aware of society and culture but not necessarily submit to their lifestyle. When a missionary goes to a country, they should strive to speak the language fluently, eat their food, dress accordingly, and learn gestures, etc.
V22 To the weak I became as if I were weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all so that I might by any means save some.
He will minister to those whom the world scorns, the elites, the poor, the criminals, the whores, government leaders, etc. It is recommended that missionaries learn the language and live the culture as closely as possible and aligned with what is allowed by Scriptures.
Study our Lord Jesus as He ministered to the poor, the lower class, the despised classes, the Pharisees, the Sanhedrin, the merchants, the Romans, etc. to observe and learn His approach.
V23 I do this for the Good News’s sake, that I might share it with you.
Yes, preaching the Gospel is that important.
Comments:
(Holman Commentary) “Yet, Paul’s motivation for this course of action was not entirely altruistic. He knew that God would reward him for his service. He sacrificed his own rights so that he might share in the gospel’s blessings.”
Guzik: “I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some: We should not think Paul changed his doctrine or message to appeal to different groups (he denies this in 1Co 1:22-23), but he would change his behavior and manner of approach.
“i. “This passage has often been looked to for the idea of ‘accommodation’ in evangelism, that is, of adapting the message to the language and perspective of the recipients. Unfortunately, despite the need for that discussion to be carried on, this passage does not speak directly to it. This has to do with how one lives or behaves among those whom he wishes to evangelize.” (Fee)
“ii. “Let those who plead for the system of accommodation on the example of St. Paul, attend to the end he had in view, and the manner in which he pursued that end. It was not to get money, influence, or honour, but to save SOULS! It was not to get ease but to increase his labours. It was not to save his life, but rather that it should be a sacrifice for the good of immortal souls!” (Clarke)”
We learn:
- The most important motivations for preaching the Gospel.
- How to reach different people groups.
Questions:
- Are you motivated to live and preach the Gospel?
- Are you willing to speak to others, whether great or despised in society?