19 For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. 20 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; 21 To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. 22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. 23 And this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you. (1 Corinthians 9:19-23 KJV)
Serving All Men
The apostle takes occasion from what he had previously discussed to mention other examples of his self-denial and willingness to give up his liberty for the benefit of others.
He asserts his liberty: “Though I am free from all men” (1 Corinthians 9:19). He was free-born, a Roman citizen, and dependent on no one for his livelihood. Yet he made himself a servant to all, so that he might gain more converts to Christ. He acted as a servant, laboring for their good and seeking to please them, not for personal gain, but that they might be made free through the gospel.
He then gives examples of how he made himself a servant to all, adapting to all kinds of people.
To the Jews and those under the law, he became as a Jew, submitting in many things to the ceremonial law so that he might remove their prejudices and win them to Christ (1 Corinthians 9:20). Though he knew the law’s yoke had been lifted by Christ, he complied in harmless matters to gain their attention and trust.
To those without the law, that is, the Gentiles, he became as one without the law (1 Corinthians 9:21). In innocent things, he adapted to their customs and ways for their benefit. He reasoned with philosophers in their own style (Acts 17:22-23) and lived among converted Gentiles as one not bound by Jewish ceremonies, though never as one without God’s moral law. He was always under the law of Christ. While he would never disobey Christ to please others, he freely yielded his own preferences when it might help him reach souls. Though he might have claimed authority as the apostle to the Gentiles, he chose instead to humble himself and meet people where they were. His aim was always to do good and save souls, not to insist on his rights.
To the weak, he became as weak, that he might gain the weak (1 Corinthians 9:22). He did not look down on them but patiently bore with their weaknesses. He refrained from exercising his liberty if it might offend or endanger them. Where someone’s weak understanding or lingering prejudice might lead them into sin or back into idolatry, Paul restrained himself for their sake. He willingly denied himself to win their affection and their souls. In short, “I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some” (1 Corinthians 9:22). He would never sin against God to help his neighbor, but he would gladly surrender his personal rights to help others. He could not give up God’s commands, but he often gave up his own freedoms for the good of others.
He explains his reason for acting this way: “I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings” (1 Corinthians 9:23). His goal was the honor of Christ and the salvation of souls, that both he and those he served might partake together in the gospel’s blessings. For these ends he denied himself and adapted to the capacities and customs of others wherever it was lawful to do so. A heart full of zeal for God and love for souls will not insist on its own rights when doing so would hinder the gospel. Those who use their power for destruction rather than edification show they do not have the spirit of the gospel.