1 Corinthians 9:19-22

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Corinthians 9:19-23

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 (1 Cor. 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... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 1 Corinthians 9:15-23

9:15-23 But I have claimed none of these rights. I am not writing this to claim that these privileges should be extended to me. I would rather die than let anyone make ineffective my boast that I take nothing for my work. If I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast about in that. I do it because necessity is laid upon me. Woe is me if I do not preach the gospel! If I do this of my own choice I do deserve a reward. But if I do it whether I like it or not, it is because I have been... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Corinthians 9:19

For though I be free from all men ,.... As an apostle, being in the highest office in the church, he had none superior to him, that could exercise any power and authority over him, and was also independent of men for his maintenance, which he got by his own hand labour: though it may be observed, that the word "men" is not in the original text, and the word "all" may as well have respect to things as men; and the sense be, that he was free, as from the curse of the moral law, so from the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Corinthians 9:20

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... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Corinthians 9:21

To them that are without law, as without law ,.... Meaning the Gentiles, who, though they were not without the law of nature, nor without many good civil laws, by which the more cultivated and civilized nations among them were governed, yet they were without the written law of Moses; a description of the Gentiles, usual with the Jews; see Romans 2:12 . And to these the apostle accommodated himself, as if he was without the law; by conversing with them without any difference; by eating any... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Corinthians 9:22

To the weak became I as weak ,.... That is, to weak Christians, who were weak in faith, and had not such clear knowledge of Gospel liberty, and therefore scrupled the eating of some sorts of meat, and particularly meats offered to idols; and the apostle so far consulted the peace and edification of these weak brethren, and so far complied with them, and became as one of them, that, rather than offend them, he determined to eat no meat while the world stood: that I might gain the weak ;... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 9:19

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. read more

Adam Clarke

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

Adam Clarke

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

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 9:22

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... read more

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