1 Corinthians 9:22

My Notes

What Does 1 Corinthians 9:22 Mean?

"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." Paul's missionary adaptation reaches its climax: to the weak, he became weak. And the comprehensive summary: all things to all men, by all means, to save some. The scope is total (all things, all men, all means). The result is partial (some). The maximum effort doesn't guarantee maximum harvest. But the effort is maximized anyway because even 'some' are worth the total adaptation.

The phrase "save some" is realistically hopeful: not all will believe. But some will. And the some who will are worth every adaptation, every cultural concession, every personal inconvenience the missionary endures.

Reflection Questions

• 1.What would 'all things to all people' look like in your specific context?
• 2.How does Paul's identity security (in Christ) enable his cultural flexibility?
• 3.Where does the 'save some' realism (maximum effort, partial return) encourage or challenge your evangelistic expectations?
• 4.What cultural adaptation have you been unwilling to make that might reach someone new?

Devotional

All things to all people. By all means. To save some. The most comprehensive missionary statement in Scripture — and the most honestly hopeful. The effort is total. The result is partial. And the partial is worth the total.

To the weak became I as weak. Paul's final adaptation: weakness. Not performance of weakness. Genuine identification with the vulnerable. With people whose faith is fragile, whose understanding is limited, whose cultural sensitivities could be triggered by a careless display of apostolic freedom. Paul doesn't tower over the weak with his strength. He stoops to their level. Not condescendingly. Genuinely. Becoming weak with the weak so the weak can see Jesus without stumbling over Paul.

I am made all things to all men. The sentence sounds like a lack of identity. But it's the opposite: Paul's identity is so secure in Christ that he can assume any cultural form without losing himself. The chameleon who changes color to blend in has no identity of its own. Paul who becomes all things to all people has the deepest identity possible: in Christ. And from that security, he can adapt infinitely without losing anything essential.

That I might by all means save some. By ALL means: every available method, every cultural door, every linguistic adaptation, every social concession. The means are unlimited because the mission is unlimited. And save SOME: not all. Some. The realism is the grace: Paul knows not everyone will believe. He pours everything into the total effort knowing the harvest will be partial. And the some who believe are worth every adaptation.

The mathematics of missionary motivation: maximum effort for partial return. All things invested. Some things harvested. And the 'some' who are saved make the 'all' that was invested worthwhile. Every person won justifies every adaptation made. Every conversion validates every cultural concession. Because one person saved is worth everything it cost to reach them.

I am made all things to all men. The flexibility is the strategy. The gospel is the constant. And the missionary who can adapt to anything is the missionary who reaches someone. Not everyone. Someone. And someone is enough.

Commentary

Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.

Cross References

Related passages throughout Scripture