1 Corinthians 9:19
Verse
Context
Paul the Servant to All
18What then is my reward? That in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not use up my rights in preaching it.19Though I am free of obligation to anyone, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.20To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), to win those under the law.
Sermons
Carter Conlon
Charles LeiterCharles Leiter
Anton BoschSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For though I be free - Although I am under no obligation to any man, yet I act as if every individual had a particular property in me, and as if I were the slave of the public.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
free from all men--that is, from the power of all men. gain the more--that is, as many of them ("all men") as possible. "Gain" is an appropriate expression in relation to a "reward" (Th1 2:19-20); he therefore repeats it frequently (Co1 9:20-22).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And unto the Jews I became as a Jew,.... That is, in religion; or with respect to some religious observances peculiar to the Jews, for he himself was really a Jew by nature; who became as one unto them in this sense, when he for their sakes circumcised Timothy at Derbe, or Lystra, purified himself at Jerusalem, shaved his head at Cenchrea, observed their sabbath, and abstained from some sorts of food forbidden in the law; and his end in so doing was, not to confirm them in such usages, but that he might hereby have the greater influence over them, and by little and little bring them off of these things, or, as he says, that I might gain the Jews; bring them over to Christ, and off of a dependence on their own righteousness, for justification before God: to them that are under the law, as under the law; the Vulgate Latin version adds, "when I was not under the law", and so the Alexandrian copy and some others; by whom seem to be meant the same persons as before; though some have thought that the Samaritans are intended, and others the Sadducees: but if any as distinct from the former are designed, they should rather seem to be the converted Jews; who though they believed in Christ, looked upon themselves to be still under the law, and therefore observed it; with whom the apostle on certain occasions complied, as if he was under it too, that he might have the greater share in their affections and credit; hoping in time that by such means he might be able to prevail upon them to relinquish these things, and wholly attend to the Gospel and ordinances of Christ, or, as he says, that I might gain them that are under the law; meaning the Jews, who were observers of the law of Moses.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
The apostle takes occasion from what he had before discoursed to mention some other instances of his self-denial and parting with his liberty for the benefit of others. I. He asserts his liberty (Co1 9:19): Though I be free from all men. He was free-born, a citizen of Rome. He was in bondage to none, nor depended upon any for his subsistence; yet he made himself a servant to all, that he might gain the more. He behaved as a servant; he laboured for their good as a servant; he was careful to please, as a servant to his master; he acted in many cases as if he had no privileges; and this that he might gain the more, or make the more converts to Christianity. He made himself a servant, that they might be made free. II. He specifies some particulars wherein he made himself a servant to all. He accommodated himself to all sorts of people. 1. To the Jews, and those under the law, he became a Jew, and as under the law, to gain them. Though he looked on the ceremonial law as a yoke taken off by Christ, yet in many instances he submitted to it, that he might work upon the Jews, remove their prejudices, prevail with them to hear the gospel, and win them over to Christ. 2. To those that are without the law as without law that is, to the Gentiles, whether converted to the Christian faith or not. In innocent things he could comply with people's usages or humours for their advantage. He would reason with the philosophers in their own way. And, as to converted Gentiles, he behaved among them as one that was not under the bondage of the Jewish laws, as he had asserted and maintained concerning them, though he did not act as a lawless person, but as one who was bound by the laws of Christ. He would transgress no laws of Christ to please or humour any man; but he would accommodate himself to all men, where he might do it lawfully, to gain some. Paul was the apostle of the Gentiles, and so, one would have thought, might have excused himself from complying with the Jews; and yet, to do them good, and win them over to Christ, he did, in innocent things, neglect the power he had to do otherwise, and conformed to some of their usages and laws. And though he might, by virtue of that character, have challenged authority over the Gentiles, yet he accommodated himself, as much as he innocently might, to their prejudices and ways of thinking. Doing good was the study and business of his life; and, so that he might reach this end, he did not stand on privileges and punctilios. 3. To the weak he became as weak, that he might gain the weak, Co1 9:22. He was willing to make the best of them. He did not despise nor judge them, but became as one of them, forbore to use his liberty for their sake, and was careful to lay no stumbling-block in their way. Where any, through the weakness of their understanding, or the strength of their prejudices, were likely to fall into sin, or fall off from the gospel into heathen idolatry, through his use of his liberty, he refrained himself. He denied himself for their sakes, that he might insinuate into their affections, and gain their souls. In short, he became all things to all men, that he might by all means (all lawful means) gain some. He would not sin against God to save the soul of his neighbour, but he would very cheerfully and readily deny himself. The rights of God he could not give up, but he might resign his own, and he very often did so for the good of others. III. He assigns his reason for acting in this manner (Co1 9:23): This I do for the gospel's sake, and that I may be partaker thereof with you; that is, for the honour of Christ, whose the gospel is, and for the salvation of souls, for which it was designed, and that he and they might communicate in the privileges of it, or partake together of them. For these ends did he thus condescend, deny himself as to his liberty, and accommodate himself to the capacities and usages of those with whom he had to do, where he lawfully might. Note, A heart warmed with zeal for God, and breathing after the salvation of men, will not plead and insist upon rights and privileges in bar to this design. Those manifestly abuse their power in the gospel who employ it not to edification but destruction, and therefore breathe nothing of its spirit.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
9:19-23 Paul places himself in the position of a slave in the household. He shows how far he was willing to go in adjusting his lifestyle and behavior to that of the people to whom he was preaching in order to win them to Christ.
1 Corinthians 9:19
Paul the Servant to All
18What then is my reward? That in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not use up my rights in preaching it.19Though I am free of obligation to anyone, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.20To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), to win those under the law.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Forfeiting the Burying Place of Kings
By Carter Conlon2.0K46:44EternityMAT 6:331CO 9:19In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of not just focusing on outward accomplishments and deeds, but on the condition of the heart. He emphasizes the need for sensitivity to the needs of others and a genuine care for people. The speaker expresses his fear of reaching the end of his life and only being remembered for his achievements, rather than for the impact he made in people's lives. He urges the congregation to consider what they truly want to be remembered for and to seek a deeper relationship with God that allows them to love and minister to others in the power of the Holy Spirit.
The Law of Christ 1 of 3
By Charles Leiter2.0K44:14JER 31:31MAT 6:33ROM 13:81CO 9:19GAL 5:14JAS 2:81PE 2:9In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the parable of the vineyard from Matthew 21. He explains that the problem was that the owner of the vineyard sent slaves to collect produce, but they received nothing. This parallels the repeated rejection of God's messengers by Israel. The speaker then highlights that Jesus, as the Son, was also rejected and crucified by those who knew who He was. The sermon emphasizes that throughout history, God has been moving towards the culmination of all things in Christ, starting from the promise made in Genesis 3. The speaker also mentions the law of Moses, which was given to show humanity their sinfulness and need for a Savior, ultimately leading to the reality of Christ.
(Youth Bible School 2007) a Chosen Generation
By Dean Taylor1.6K1:01:47Bible SchoolGEN 12:2EXO 19:3MAT 5:44MAT 22:371CO 9:19In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not engaging in sinful behaviors such as fornication, uncleanness, and covetousness. He quotes Ephesians 5:4 to support his point and warns that those who partake in such actions will not inherit the kingdom of Christ and God. The preacher also addresses the issue of Christians being influenced by worldly entertainment and urges the congregation to consider these matters in the light of a holy God. He concludes by highlighting the concept of believers being a chosen generation, emphasizing that God has always desired to have a special and precious people to Himself. The sermon encourages listeners to seek guidance from the Scriptures and live as priests in this world.
The Law of Christ 2 of 3
By Charles Leiter1.2K58:12DEU 22:9MAT 5:171CO 9:61CO 9:19In this sermon, the speaker discusses three key principles. Firstly, he addresses the misconception surrounding the term "law of Moses," emphasizing that it refers to the law given by God through Moses. He highlights the importance of using scriptural terminology. Secondly, he emphasizes the foundation of the Christian faith, which is God's grace and the indwelling life of Christ. He encourages believers to rely on what God has already done for them rather than striving in their own efforts. Thirdly, he emphasizes that the key to understanding the Bible is through the lens of Jesus Christ. He explains that throughout the Scriptures, God's plan was leading to the culmination in Christ. The speaker concludes by affirming that as Christians, we are no longer under the law but are freed from it and have eternal life through faith in Jesus.
(Secret of Paul's Authority) 6. Paul Loved All Men
By Zac Poonen1.1K35:42Love for OthersServanthood in MinistryAuthorityROM 1:141CO 9:19Zac Poonen emphasizes that Paul's authority stemmed from his profound love for all people, which was essential for God to commit His authority to him. Paul, despite being an earthen vessel, allowed the treasure of Christ within him to shine through his love and service to others, both believers and unbelievers. He demonstrated that true authority in ministry comes from a heart of servanthood, recognizing the worth of every individual, regardless of their status. Poonen challenges listeners to reflect on their own attitudes towards others, urging them to embody the love of Christ and serve selflessly, as Paul did. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deeper understanding of love as a fundamental aspect of Christian life and ministry.
Self-Control
By Anton Bosch96540:13Self-Control1CO 9:19In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of self-discipline in the face of societal challenges. He refers to 2 Timothy chapter 3, which describes the terrible times that will come in the end days, and relates them to the present society. The speaker highlights the lack of self-control in today's world, where people are driven by their desires and impulses. He urges listeners to take control of their bodies and every area of their lives, including eating habits, in order to live a disciplined and purposeful life.
Joy and Rejoicing Under Persecution by the State
By John Piper62841:28ROM 6:221CO 7:221CO 9:19PHP 3:20COL 1:131PE 2:11
This sermon emphasizes the invincible joy and freedom found in Christian faith, highlighting the eternal citizenship in heaven that transcends earthly institutions and governments. It explores the radical Christian freedom that stems from being children of God, free from inherent authority in the state, and debtors to all people. The message underscores the importance of prioritizing heavenly citizenship over earthly allegiances and engaging in relentless good deeds despite conflicts with societal norms.
o.m. Ship Ministry - Logos Ii
By Lloyd Nicholas62228:34MAT 20:28MRK 16:15ACT 16:31ROM 10:91CO 9:19EPH 2:81PE 3:15In this sermon, the preacher describes a unique church setup where there is only one queue at the back of the church. The preacher pulls a lever, and the people in the queue move to the front while another queue forms at the back. The preacher believes he has solved the problem of people sitting in the back by getting them to sit in the front. He then goes on to talk about evangelism and the importance of spreading the gospel worldwide. He also emphasizes the need for training and discipleship among Christian young people. The sermon highlights the ripe harvest of souls in the world and the need for more laborers in God's kingdom.
(The Activity of the Holy Spirit) the Discipline of the Body
By Peter Brandon1232:57Spiritual GrowthDiscipline1CO 9:19Peter Brandon emphasizes the necessity of a disciplined life for spiritual growth and effective ministry, drawing inspiration from the disciplined practices of Christians in China. He highlights the importance of maintaining communion with God to sustain spiritual experiences and urges the congregation to commit themselves wholly to the Lord. Using the Apostle Paul's teachings from 1 Corinthians 9, he illustrates how discipline in both body and spirit is essential for preaching the gospel effectively. Brandon encourages the audience to adopt a structured approach to their daily lives, including prayer and scripture reading, to cultivate a deeper relationship with God and a passion for soul-winning.
Day 5, Matthew 5
By David Servant0EXO 20:17EXO 23:5PRO 25:21MAT 5:31CO 9:19David Servant preaches on the importance of examining ourselves in light of the identifying characteristics of the blessed in the Beatitudes, to determine if we are on the road to heaven. Jesus emphasizes the need for holiness, declaring that our righteousness must exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees to enter the kingdom of heaven. He exposes the unrighteous practices of the Pharisees, emphasizing the importance of love, purity of heart, truthfulness, mercy, and reconciliation among His followers.
Day 50, Galatians 3
By David Servant0JER 31:31ROM 2:141CO 9:19GAL 3:2David Servant preaches on the controversy addressed by Paul in his letter to the Galatians, emphasizing that salvation is received through faith in Jesus, not through circumcision or keeping the Law of Moses. He explains the three major 'sets of rules' given by God in human history: the law of conscience, the Law of Moses, and the law of Christ, highlighting that Gentiles are not required to follow the Law of Moses but are called to obey the law of Christ. Paul lists reasons why Gentiles don't need to be circumcised, emphasizing that salvation has always been through faith, as seen in the Old Testament and exemplified by Abraham.
The Cost of Service
By John Hunter02KI 5:12MAT 25:21LUK 15:11JHN 8:29JHN 17:141CO 9:19PHP 2:5PHP 2:7John Hunter preaches on the importance of following Christ's example of humility and service, emphasizing the need to make ourselves of no reputation and be willing to be made by God. He contrasts worldly success with God's definition of success, highlighting the simplicity and obedience required in serving God. The sermon challenges Christians to let go of self-glory, imitating Christ's sacrificial life, and embracing a life of service and humility.
Achieving a Servant's Heart
By David Wilkerson0ServanthoodTransformationMAT 20:26MRK 10:45LUK 9:23JHN 13:14ACT 9:9ROM 12:11CO 9:19GAL 2:20PHP 3:81PE 5:5David Wilkerson emphasizes the transformative journey of Saul of Tarsus to Paul, highlighting how an encounter with Jesus on the Damascus road led to a profound change in his heart and mind. During three days of blindness and prayer, Saul reflected on his past pride and misguided zeal, ultimately surrendering his ambitions for the sake of knowing Christ. Paul recognized that his previous pursuits were mere fleshly endeavors and chose to embrace a life of servanthood, prioritizing humility over recognition. Wilkerson encourages believers to follow Paul's example by seeking a servant's heart through intense prayer and self-examination.
Christian Self-Restraint 1 Corinthians 9:19-27
By J.R. Miller0Self-RestraintService to Others1CO 9:19J.R. Miller emphasizes the call for Christians to practice self-restraint and serve others selflessly, as Paul exemplified in 1 Corinthians 9:19-27. He highlights that true Christian living involves denying oneself for the sake of others and the gospel, urging believers to win souls for Christ rather than seeking personal gain. Miller stresses the importance of accommodating the weak and exercising patience and gentleness in interactions, as well as the necessity of temperance in all aspects of life. He warns that even the most devoted can fall if they do not keep their bodies in subjection, reminding us that the Christian life is a race requiring discipline and focus. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a life dedicated to serving others and glorifying Christ through our actions.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For though I be free - Although I am under no obligation to any man, yet I act as if every individual had a particular property in me, and as if I were the slave of the public.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
free from all men--that is, from the power of all men. gain the more--that is, as many of them ("all men") as possible. "Gain" is an appropriate expression in relation to a "reward" (Th1 2:19-20); he therefore repeats it frequently (Co1 9:20-22).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And unto the Jews I became as a Jew,.... That is, in religion; or with respect to some religious observances peculiar to the Jews, for he himself was really a Jew by nature; who became as one unto them in this sense, when he for their sakes circumcised Timothy at Derbe, or Lystra, purified himself at Jerusalem, shaved his head at Cenchrea, observed their sabbath, and abstained from some sorts of food forbidden in the law; and his end in so doing was, not to confirm them in such usages, but that he might hereby have the greater influence over them, and by little and little bring them off of these things, or, as he says, that I might gain the Jews; bring them over to Christ, and off of a dependence on their own righteousness, for justification before God: to them that are under the law, as under the law; the Vulgate Latin version adds, "when I was not under the law", and so the Alexandrian copy and some others; by whom seem to be meant the same persons as before; though some have thought that the Samaritans are intended, and others the Sadducees: but if any as distinct from the former are designed, they should rather seem to be the converted Jews; who though they believed in Christ, looked upon themselves to be still under the law, and therefore observed it; with whom the apostle on certain occasions complied, as if he was under it too, that he might have the greater share in their affections and credit; hoping in time that by such means he might be able to prevail upon them to relinquish these things, and wholly attend to the Gospel and ordinances of Christ, or, as he says, that I might gain them that are under the law; meaning the Jews, who were observers of the law of Moses.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
The apostle takes occasion from what he had before discoursed to mention some other instances of his self-denial and parting with his liberty for the benefit of others. I. He asserts his liberty (Co1 9:19): Though I be free from all men. He was free-born, a citizen of Rome. He was in bondage to none, nor depended upon any for his subsistence; yet he made himself a servant to all, that he might gain the more. He behaved as a servant; he laboured for their good as a servant; he was careful to please, as a servant to his master; he acted in many cases as if he had no privileges; and this that he might gain the more, or make the more converts to Christianity. He made himself a servant, that they might be made free. II. He specifies some particulars wherein he made himself a servant to all. He accommodated himself to all sorts of people. 1. To the Jews, and those under the law, he became a Jew, and as under the law, to gain them. Though he looked on the ceremonial law as a yoke taken off by Christ, yet in many instances he submitted to it, that he might work upon the Jews, remove their prejudices, prevail with them to hear the gospel, and win them over to Christ. 2. To those that are without the law as without law that is, to the Gentiles, whether converted to the Christian faith or not. In innocent things he could comply with people's usages or humours for their advantage. He would reason with the philosophers in their own way. And, as to converted Gentiles, he behaved among them as one that was not under the bondage of the Jewish laws, as he had asserted and maintained concerning them, though he did not act as a lawless person, but as one who was bound by the laws of Christ. He would transgress no laws of Christ to please or humour any man; but he would accommodate himself to all men, where he might do it lawfully, to gain some. Paul was the apostle of the Gentiles, and so, one would have thought, might have excused himself from complying with the Jews; and yet, to do them good, and win them over to Christ, he did, in innocent things, neglect the power he had to do otherwise, and conformed to some of their usages and laws. And though he might, by virtue of that character, have challenged authority over the Gentiles, yet he accommodated himself, as much as he innocently might, to their prejudices and ways of thinking. Doing good was the study and business of his life; and, so that he might reach this end, he did not stand on privileges and punctilios. 3. To the weak he became as weak, that he might gain the weak, Co1 9:22. He was willing to make the best of them. He did not despise nor judge them, but became as one of them, forbore to use his liberty for their sake, and was careful to lay no stumbling-block in their way. Where any, through the weakness of their understanding, or the strength of their prejudices, were likely to fall into sin, or fall off from the gospel into heathen idolatry, through his use of his liberty, he refrained himself. He denied himself for their sakes, that he might insinuate into their affections, and gain their souls. In short, he became all things to all men, that he might by all means (all lawful means) gain some. He would not sin against God to save the soul of his neighbour, but he would very cheerfully and readily deny himself. The rights of God he could not give up, but he might resign his own, and he very often did so for the good of others. III. He assigns his reason for acting in this manner (Co1 9:23): This I do for the gospel's sake, and that I may be partaker thereof with you; that is, for the honour of Christ, whose the gospel is, and for the salvation of souls, for which it was designed, and that he and they might communicate in the privileges of it, or partake together of them. For these ends did he thus condescend, deny himself as to his liberty, and accommodate himself to the capacities and usages of those with whom he had to do, where he lawfully might. Note, A heart warmed with zeal for God, and breathing after the salvation of men, will not plead and insist upon rights and privileges in bar to this design. Those manifestly abuse their power in the gospel who employ it not to edification but destruction, and therefore breathe nothing of its spirit.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
9:19-23 Paul places himself in the position of a slave in the household. He shows how far he was willing to go in adjusting his lifestyle and behavior to that of the people to whom he was preaching in order to win them to Christ.