1 Corinthians 9:20-21
To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Paul's strategy wasn't about abandoning his own identity in Christ, but about meeting people where they were with the gospel. Notice how he clarifies, "though not being myself under the law," because his freedom in Christ meant he wasn't bound by the law, even as he understood and respected its context for others. This reveals a profound adaptability driven by love and a desire to connect with diverse people.
Paul is explaining his strategy for evangelism, detailing how he adapts his approach to connect with different kinds of people for the sake of the Gospel. He's just described how he lives differently when dealing with people outside his own cultural background, and this verse continues that thought by specifying his efforts to reach both Jewish people and those who closely follow the Mosaic law. This careful consideration of his audience directly leads into his argument about Christian liberty and the importance of not misusing that freedom to stumble others.
Paul's strategy wasn't about compromise, but connection. How can we understand people without losing our own identity?
Becoming 'Like' Them
Paul masterfully describes his approach to ministry: 'To the Jews I became as a Jew...' (v. 20). This wasn't a spiritual identity crisis; it was a practical, gospel-centered strategy. He met people where they were, understanding their customs, their laws, and their cultural language. This wasn't about abandoning his core beliefs, but about finding common ground so the message of Christ could be heard and understood.
The Goal: Winning Them
The driving force behind this empathy was a passionate desire to reach people for Christ. He wasn't trying to fit in for popularity, but to break down barriers. By identifying with their way of life, he could more effectively share the transforming power of the gospel.
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Paul mentions being 'not being myself under the law.' What does this crucial distinction mean for our Christian lives today?
The 'Under Law' Paradox
Paul's statement 'though not being myself under the law' is key. As a believer in Jesus Christ, he was no longer bound by the Mosaic Law as the means of earning salvation or righteousness. His standing before God was secured by Christ's sacrifice, not by his adherence to Old Testament regulations.
Living by Grace, Not Obligation
This freedom from the law's condemnation doesn't mean abandoning moral standards. Instead, it means living out of gratitude for God's grace, empowered by the Holy Spirit. Paul could then engage with those who were still operating under the law (like many Jewish people of his day) without being ensnared by its demands himself. His participation was relational and strategic, not a return to legalistic bondage.
Understand the original words
nomos · Greek Noun
The covenantal instructions given by God to Israel through Moses. It refers to the Mosaic Law as a system of commandments, ceremonies, and moral requirements.
nomos · Greek Noun
The divine standard or set of commandments given by God, typically referring to the Mosaic Law or the broader revealed will of God for humanity.
nomos Christou · Greek Noun phrase
The ethical, moral, and spiritual teachings of Jesus, often viewed as the fulfillment and new expression of God's law for the New Covenant believer.
Paul wrote 1 Corinthians around AD 55 from Ephesus, during his third missionary journey, reflecting on his ministry strategies developed over years of intense missionary work in the complex cultural landscape of the Roman Empire, particularly in cities like Corinth where Jewish and Gentile populations intertwined.
c. 5 BC - AD 30/33
Life of Jesus Christ
Jesus ministered in Judea, proclaiming the Kingdom of God and fulfilling prophecies. His life, death, and resurrection are the central events of Christianity.
c. AD 33
Ascension of Jesus & Pentecost
After His resurrection, Jesus ascended to heaven. The Holy Spirit descended on the disciples at Pentecost, empowering them to preach the Gospel.
c. AD 34-36
Saul's Conversion and Early Ministry
Saul of Tarsus, a persecutor of Christians, was converted and became the Apostle Paul. He began his ministry, initially focusing on Jewish communities.
c. AD 46-48
Paul's First Missionary Journey
Paul and Barnabas traveled through Asia Minor, establishing churches among both Jews and Gentiles, facing opposition but seeing many conversions.
c. AD 49
Council of Jerusalem
A crucial meeting where leaders decided Gentiles did not need to follow Jewish law to become Christians. This affirmed Paul's approach of contextualization.
c. AD 50-52— this verse
Paul's Second Missionary Journey
Paul continued his work, visiting cities like Corinth. He established a strong presence in Corinth, a diverse and cosmopolitan Roman city.
c. AD 53-57
Paul's Third Missionary Journey
Paul ministered extensively in Ephesus and revisited churches he had planted, strengthening believers and addressing theological issues.
This passage shows Paul circumcising Timothy, demonstrating a practical application of his principle to become 'as a Jew' to reach Jewish people, even though it wasn't a requirement for Timothy's salvation.
Galatians 2:11-14Here we see Paul confronting Peter for acting differently around Jewish and Gentile believers, highlighting the tension and importance of 'not acting like others' in a way that compromises the Gospel.
Romans 15:1-2This passage echoes Paul's strategy, urging believers to please their neighbors for their good, building them up in the faith by being considerate of their customs and perspectives.
1 Corinthians 10:32-33This passage provides a broader summary of Paul's approach: not seeking his own advantage, but the advantage of many, so that they may be saved. It frames his adaptability as a means to evangelistic success.
Paul's strategy wasn't about abandoning his own identity in Christ, but about meeting people where they were with the gospel. Notice how he clarifies, "though not being myself under the law," because his freedom in Christ meant he wasn't bound by the law, even as he understood and respected its context for others. This reveals a profound adaptability driven by love and a desire to connect with diverse people.
Paul is explaining his strategy for evangelism, detailing how he adapts his approach to connect with different kinds of people for the sake of the Gospel. He's just described how he lives differently when dealing with people outside his own cultural background, and this verse continues that thought by specifying his efforts to reach both Jewish people and those who closely follow the Mosaic law. This careful consideration of his audience directly leads into his argument about Christian liberty and the importance of not misusing that freedom to stumble others.
Paul is explaining his strategy for evangelism, detailing how he adapts his approach to connect with different kinds of people for the sake of the Gospel. He's just described how he lives differently when dealing with people outside his own cultural background, and this verse continues that thought by specifying his efforts to reach both Jewish people and those who closely follow the Mosaic law. This careful consideration of his audience directly leads into his argument about Christian liberty and the importance of not misusing that freedom to stumble others.
"To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the la…" — Paul's strategy wasn't about abandoning his own identity in Christ, but about meeting people where they were with the gospel. Notice how he clarifies, "though not being myself under the law," bec…
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