Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 9:21
To them that are without law - The Gentiles, who had no written law, though they had the law written in their hearts; see on Romans 2:15 ; (note). Being not without law to God - Instead of Θεῳ , To God, and Χριστῳ , To Christ, the most important MSS. and versions have Θεου , Of God, and Χριστου , Of Christ; being not without the law of God, but under the law of Christ. Them that are without law - Dr. Lightfoot thinks the Sadducees may be meant, and that in certain cases,... read more
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 9:20
Unto the Jews I became as a Jew - In Acts 16:3 , we find that for the sake of the unconverted Jews he circumcised Timothy. See the note on Acts 16:3 . To them that are under the law - To those who considered themselves still under obligation to observe its rites and ceremonies, though they had in the main embraced the Gospel, he became as if under the same obligations; and therefore purified himself in the temple, as we find related, Acts 21:26 ; (note). After the first clause,... read more