1 Corinthians 9:22

King James Version (KJV)

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.

Adam Clarke
Bible Commentary

To the weak became I as weak - Those who were conscientiously scrupulous, even in respect to lawful things.

I am made all things to all men - I assumed every shape and form consistent with innocency and perfect integrity; giving up my own will, my own way, my own ease, my own pleasure, and my own profit, that I might save the souls of all. 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 honor, but to save Souls! It was not to get ease but to increase his labors. It was not to save his life, but rather that it should be a sacrifice for the good of immortal souls!

A parallel saying to this of St. Paul has been quoted from Achilles Tatius, lib. v., cap. xix., where Clitophon says, on having received a letter from Leucippe: Τουτοις εντυχων παντα εγινομην ὁμου, ανεφλεγομην, ωχριων, εθαυμαζον, ηπιστουν, εχαιρον, ηχθομην· "When I read the contents, I became all things at once; I was inflamed, I grew pale, I was struck with wonder; I doubted, I rejoiced, became sad." The same form of speech is frequent among Greek writers. I think this casts some light on the apostle's meaning.

That I might by all means save some - On this clause there are some very important readings found in the MSS. and versions. Instead of παντως τινας σωσω, that I might by all means save some; παντας σωσω, that I might save all, is the reading of DEFG, Syriac, Vulgate, Ethiopic, all the Itala, and several of the fathers. This reading Bishop Pearce prefers, because it is more agreeable to St. Paul's meaning here, and exactly agrees with what he says, 1 Corinthians 10:33, and makes his design more extensive and noble. Wakefield also prefers this reading.

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Albert Barnes
Notes on the Whole Bible

To the weak; - See the note at Romans 15:1. To those weak in faith; scrupulous in regard to certain observances; whose consciences were tender and unenlightened, and who would be offended even by things which might be in themselves lawful. He did not lacerate their feelings, and run counter to their prejudices, for the mere sake of doing it.

Became I as weak - I did not shock them. I complied with their customs. I conformed to them in my dress, habits, manner of life, and even in the services of religion. I abstained from food which they deemed it their duty to abstain from; and where, if I had partaken of it, I should have offended them. Paul did not do this to gratify himself, or them, but to do them good. And Paul‘s example should teach us not to make it the main business of life to gratify ourselves, and it should teach us not to lacerate the feelings of others; not to excite their prejudices needlessly; not to offend them where it will do no good. If truth offends people, we cannot help it. But in matters of ceremony, and dress, and habits, and customs, and forms, we should be willing to conform to them, as far as can be done, and for the sole purpose of saving their souls.

I am made all things to all men - I become all things; that is, I accommodate myself to them in all things, so far as can be done with a good conscience. “That I might by all means” ( πάντως pantōs). That I might use every possible endeavor that some at least might be saved. It is implied here that the opposition to the gospel was everywhere great; that people were reluctant to embrace it; that the great mass were going to ruin, and that Paul was willing to make the highest possible exertions, to deny himself, and practice every innocent art, that he might save “a few at least” out of the innumerable multitudes that were going to death and hell. It follows from this:

(1) That people are in danger of ruin.

(2) we should make an effort to save people. We should deny ourselves, and give ourselves to toil and privation, that we may save some at least from ruin.

(3) the doctrine of universal salvation is not true. If it were, what use or propriety would there have been in these efforts of Paul? If all were to be saved, why should he deny himself, and labor, and toil, to save “some?” Why should a man make a constant effort to save “a few at least,” if he well knew that all were to be saved? Assuredly Paul did not “know” or believe that all people would be saved; but if the doctrine is true, he would have been quite as likely to have known it as its modern advocates and defenders.

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Matthew Henry
Concise Bible Commentary

It is the glory of a minister to deny himself, that he may serve Christ and save souls. But when a minister gives up his right for the sake of the gospel, he does more than his charge and office demands. By preaching the gospel, freely, the apostle showed that he acted from principles of zeal and love, and thus enjoyed much comfort and hope in his soul. And though he looked on the ceremonial law as a yoke taken off by Christ, yet he submitted to it, that he might work upon the Jews, do away their prejudices, prevail with them to hear the gospel, and win them over to Christ. Though he would transgress no laws of Christ, to please any man, yet he would accommodate himself to all men, where he might do it lawfully, to gain some. Doing good was the study and business of his life; and, that he might reach this end, he did not stand on privileges. We must carefully watch against extremes, and against relying on any thing but trust in Christ alone. We must not allow errors or faults, so as to hurt others, or disgrace the gospel.

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SDA Bible Commentary (limited)
Volume 1-7

22. Weak. Those whose understanding of the gospel was limited and who might be offended by things that were perfectly lawful in themselves (see on Rom. 14:1). In dealing with such, Paul did not deliberately behave in a manner that would arouse their prejudices and confuse their limited comprehension of truth. He did not shock them by nonconformity with their customs in dress, food, and even religious services (see Acts 16:1-3; Rom. 14:1-3, 13, 15, 19-21; 1 Cor. 8:13). This condescension to the viewpoint of the weaker brethren might have appeared to be weakness on the part of Paul, but it was in reality a sign that he possessed great moral strength. Secure in his experimental knowledge of the love of Jesus, and sure of the supremacy of the one great truth of salvation by faith in Christ, he could well afford to please the weak ones by complying with their peculiarities in things that were not of major importance, such as refraining from the use of food offered to idols (see ch. 8:4, 7-9).

All things. Paul’s versatility enabled him to practice an all-sided adaptation of himself to all kinds and conditions of men in those things that were of themselves not matters involving questions of right principles. However, Paul never compromised on matters of principle.

By all means. Gr. pant?s, “surely,” “definitely,” “at least.”

Save some. Everything that Paul did, his ready adaptation to the particular society in which he found himself and his willingness to be tolerant and patient toward all men, had but one objective?the saving of those who would believe his message. He did not express himself as planning to save all, because he knew that many would not believe (Rom. 9:27; 11:5). By his course of adjustment to the customs, habits, and opinions of all classes of men in order that he might save some, Paul followed closely the pattern set by the Saviour, of whom the prophet wrote: “A bruised reed shall he not break” (Isa. 42:1-3). Adaptability is one of the most useful qualities that a minister can cultivate. It helps him to work as Jesus worked: in the homes of the poor and ignorant, in the market place among merchants and financiers, at the feasts and entertainments of the wealthy, and in conversation with the wise. He will be willing to go anywhere and use whatever method is most suitable in order to win men for God’s eternal kingdom of glory and peace (see MH 23-25; GW 118, 119).

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SDA Bible Commentary (limited)
Volume 1-7

Discerning of spirits. This is the ability to distinguish between divine and counterfeit inspiration (see 1 John 4:1-3; TM 228, 229). Christ warned His church that false prophets would arise, particularly in the last days, and all should be on the alert to recognize and reject such false teachers (see Matt. 24:4, 5, 11, 23-25). The apostles in the early church had the ability to distinguish between true and false preachers and professors of Christianity (see Acts 5:1-10; 13:9-11). There was need for this gift in the early days of the church, when there were doubtless many pretenders to possession of these gifts. Satan has ever been ready to counterfeit the true, and often supports the false claims of pretenders by supernatural miracles (2 Thess. 2:9; Rev. 13:13, 14).

By all means. Gr. pant?s, “surely,” “definitely,” “at least.”

Kinds of tongues. This gift is discussed at length in ch. 14, where it is contrasted with the gift of prophecy.

Interpretation of tongues. A special gift was needed to interpret the messages imparted (see ch. 14:27, 28; Additional Note on Chapter 14).

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SDA Bible Commentary (limited)
Volume 1-7

By all means. Gr. pantÃ…Âs, “surely,” “definitely,” “at least.”

Save some. Everything that Paul did, his ready adaptation to the particular society in which he found himself and his willingness to be tolerant and patient toward all men, had but one objectiveÃ¢â‚¬â€the saving of those who would believe his message. He did not express himself as planning to save all, because he knew that many would not believe (Rom. 9:27; 11:5). By his course of adjustment to the customs, habits, and opinions of all classes of men in order that he might save some, Paul followed closely the pattern set by the Saviour, of whom the prophet wrote: “A bruised reed shall he not break” (Isa. 42:1-3). Adaptability is one of the most useful qualities that a minister can cultivate. It helps him to work as Jesus worked: in the homes of the poor and ignorant, in the market place among merchants and financiers, at the feasts and entertainments of the wealthy, and in conversation with the wise. He will be willing to go anywhere and use whatever method is most suitable in order to win men for God’s eternal kingdom of glory and peace (see MH 23-25; GW 118, 119).

Was this helpful?

SDA Bible Commentary (limited)
Volume 1-7

By all means. Gr. pantÃ…Âs, “surely,” “definitely,” “at least.”

Kinds of tongues. This gift is discussed at length in ch. 14, where it is contrasted with the gift of prophecy.

Save some. Everything that Paul did, his ready adaptation to the particular society in which he found himself and his willingness to be tolerant and patient toward all men, had but one objectiveÃ¢â‚¬â€the saving of those who would believe his message. He did not express himself as planning to save all, because he knew that many would not believe (Rom. 9:27; 11:5). By his course of adjustment to the customs, habits, and opinions of all classes of men in order that he might save some, Paul followed closely the pattern set by the Saviour, of whom the prophet wrote: “A bruised reed shall he not break” (Isa. 42:1-3). Adaptability is one of the most useful qualities that a minister can cultivate. It helps him to work as Jesus worked: in the homes of the poor and ignorant, in the market place among merchants and financiers, at the feasts and entertainments of the wealthy, and in conversation with the wise. He will be willing to go anywhere and use whatever method is most suitable in order to win men for God’s eternal kingdom of glory and peace (see MH 23-25; GW 118, 119).

Interpretation of tongues. A special gift was needed to interpret the messages imparted (see ch. 14:27, 28; Additional Note on Chapter 14).

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Ellen G. White
Gospel Workers 1915, 117-8

In the work of soul-winning, great tact and wisdom are needed. The Saviour never suppressed the truth, but He uttered it always in love. In His intercourse with others, He exercised the greatest tact, and He was always kind and thoughtful. He was never rude, never needlessly spoke a severe word, never gave unnecessary pain to a sensitive soul. He did not censure human weakness. He fearlessly denounced hypocrisy, unbelief, and iniquity, but tears were in His voice as He uttered His scathing rebukes. He never made truth cruel, but ever manifested a deep tenderness for humanity. Every soul was precious in His sight. He bore Himself with divine dignity; yet He bowed with the tenderest compassion and regard to every member of the family of God. He saw in all, souls whom it was His mission to save. GW 117.1

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