“And to the Judeans I became as a Judean, that I might gain the Judeans; to those under the Law, as under the Law, though I myself am not under the Law, that I might gain those under the Law” – 1 Corinthians 9:20.
We have a very interesting thought in this verse.
In order to convince people of Biblical truth, the Apostle Paul used bold techniques. He entered a given company, a given group of people, and, in short, he became as if he were one of them – he behaved similarly to them.
Judeans, Jews, might have thought he was a Judean, a Jew, under the law; Gentiles, or, for example, those who followed the Mosaic Law, might have thought Paul also followed the Mosaic Law. Even though Paul himself convinced others that the Mosaic Law was no longer binding:
“For Christ is the end of the Law for righteousness to everyone who believes” – Romans 10:4.
The method Paul chose isn’t easy for us to replicate. Perhaps this was natural for the apostle, as he traveled the world and met many people from different nations and faiths. Today, it would be difficult to enter a given religion and behave like its adherents in order to convey Biblical truths to them. This is a truly daunting task.
But that’s not all the apostle did:
“To the lawless/sinful/ungodly, as if I were lawless/sinful/ungodly, yet not being lawless/sinful/ungodly toward God, but under the Law of Christ, that I might win the lawless/sinful/ungodly” – 1 Corinthians 9:21.
Oh, what a powerful verse…
Someone could accuse Paul of abandoning Christ when they saw him in the company of ungodly, sinful people. Many would be surprised to wonder what he was doing there, why he was hanging out with these evil people. He had probably fallen into decline himself, had strayed from God. Some might have thought that Paul had also begun to sin.
We like to pass judgment, to judge others superficially, without knowing the whole truth. So many probably judged Paul.
However, Paul’s message is very clear: I am with them, but I do not copy their beliefs, views, or behaviors. I do not sin because I am a servant of Christ.
Paul himself writes in his letter:
“Do not be deceived: bad company corrupts good morals.” – 1 Corinthians 15:33.
We’re familiar with the sayings: he fell into bad company, that’s why he fell; whoever associates with whom becomes who he is. This verse warns us against accepting bad teachings and bad behavior. The verse says: beware of bad people, for they can corrupt you.
We like to submit to others… because they swear well, because they talk well, because they’re listened to, because they’re the boss, because they look good, because they’re rich:
What Spirit is Guiding Him? How to Recognize Liars?
The Apostle Paul proved to be a very strong person. Even though he associated with various people and pretended to be like them, he didn’t sin. He could fake certain behaviors and respect these people, but he didn’t copy their bad behavior/false beliefs/false views. And this is the art of being a servant of Christ…
“I became weak/sick/poor for the sake of the weak/sick/poor, that I might gain the weak/sick/poor; I became all things to all, that by some means I might save/rescue some” – 1 Corinthians 9:22.
And here are more verses that show great dedication in communicating the truth:
“We loved you so much that we were willing to impart to you not only the Gospel/News/Message of God, but also our own souls/lives/beings, because you became beloved/loved/dear to us” – 1 Thessalonians 2:8.
„But we who are strong/enduring should bear/support/uphold – the weaknesses/powerlessness/impotence – of the helpless/weak/fragile, and not please/please/satisfy ourselves. Each of us should please our neighbor/brother for good/profit/advantage, for building up/strengthening/uplifting” – Romans 15:1–2.
“I beg you, brothers, be like me, for I have become like you” – Galatians 4:12.
„Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others, to the interests of his brothers. For let this mindset be in you, which was also in Christ Yeshu” – Philippians 2:4–5.
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