DOCSLIB.ORG

Commentary Text: 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 Context Of

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text

Load more

Commentary Text: 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 Context of the book / letter / Gospel: In the Apostle Paul’s “second” letter to the Corinthians, he stresses ​ the importance of giving generously to the work of the Lord. Language usage suggests that he was actually being sarcastic in his tone in this text. The collection re ferred to in this passage was also referenced in 2 Corinthians 8 and 1 Corinthians 16:1-4. It was an offering specifically for the church in Jerusalem (David Guzik; https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/2-corinthians-9/). ​ ​ Main Idea of The Text: Paul encourages the Corinthian church to be generous in their gifts to the Lord, ​ thereby giving believers a pattern for giving in their lives today. Exegetical Outline of The Text (Based on Wiersbe) I. Your Giving Will Bless You -- vv. 6-11. II. Your Giving Will Meet Needs -- v. 12. III. Your Giving Will Glorify God -- v. 13-15. Verse by verse commentary: 6 The point is this: The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person ​ who sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each person should do as he has decided ​ ​ in his heart—not reluctantly or out of compulsion, since God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And ​ ​ God is able to make every grace overflow to you, so that in every way, always having everything you need, you may excel in every good work. 9 As it is written: ​ ​ He distributed freely; he gave to the poor; his righteousness endures forever. 10 Now the one who provides seed for the sower and bread for food will also provide and ​ multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched ​ ​ in every way for all generosity, which produces thanksgiving to God through us. 1 In this passage, the Apostle Paul begins with the principle of sowing and reaping. Those who give more to the Lord, will be blessed more in return. The blessing of God does not extend to one materially necessarily, it comes to one spiritually. As we give to God, He will bless us abundantly (Wiersbe, 660). Paul informs the Corinthians that their giving is a matter of the heart. The amount given is something decided upon by each individual. Guzik explains it this way: So let each one give. Giving is for each one. Every Christian should be a giver. Because ​ ​ of small resources, some cannot give much but it is still important that they give and that they give with the right kind of heart. As he purposes in his own heart: Giving should be motivated by the purposes of our own ​ heart. It should never be coerced or manipulated. We should give because we want to give and because God has put it in our own heart to give. Not grudging or of necessity: God does not want our giving to be grudging (reluctantly, ​ regretfully given with plenty of complaining) or of necessity (given because someone has made us or manipulated us into giving) This is more the spirit behind taxation, not Biblical giving. For God loves a cheerful giver. Instead of giving in a grudging way or out of necessity, ​ God wants us to give cheerfully. The ancient Greek word for cheerful (hilaros, is the root ​ ​ for our English word, hilarious. God wants us to give happily because that is how God Himself gives (Guzik, https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/2-corinthians-9/). ​ ​ ​ Next, giving requires a commitment on the part of the giver. The Greek word translated decided is proaireomai, which means, “to choose deliberately” or “to make one’s mind up about ​ ​ ​ something.” This is the only time this word is found in the New Testament. IVP Commentary notes here as follows: It is a well-known fact that telethons that play on people’s emotions to solicit contributions often end up with donors who pledge impulsively but not deliberately enough to follow through on their pledge. Paul says that giving is to be based on a 2 calculated decision. It is not a matter to be settled lightly or impulsively (IVP ​ Commentary https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/ivp-nt/Results-Generous-Giving). ​ ​ Finally, giving is a private, not public decision. Christians should not be looking for any kind of public recognition for their giving. Christians should desire to give because the Lord gave us His Son, Jesus Christ (IVP Commentary). He continues to inform the Corinthians of the benefits of giving to the giver. “Grace overflows,” as it is translated in the CSB. God grants blessing by His power. IVP Commentary notes as follows: God’s abounding grace extends beyond the mere replenishment of resources. He is powerful not only to replace resources spent in Christian service but also to multiply them to the point that at all times and in all things we have all that we need (v. 8). Autarkeia (“all that is needed”) means to be sufficient in oneself or self-supporting. ​ Cynics and Stoics aimed at the kind of self-sufficiency that permitted indifference to other people and to circumstances. To a certain extent Paul aligns himself with this sentiment. Like the Stoic, the Christian aspires to be free from dependence on material possessions--or, as Paul puts it, “to be content in whatever the circumstances” (Phil. 4:11). To learn to be content with very little requires that one want very little: “If we have food and clothing, we will be content” (1 Tim. 6:8) And the less one wants, the greater the means for relieving the needs of others (Plummer 1915:260; IVP). ​ The difference between the Christian philosophy and Stoicism is that Christians should be free of needing possessions, but they should not be free of needing people in their lives. We should be free to use our resources to bless others (Murphy-O Connor 1991:91; IVP). Paul quotes the Psalms, and points his readers back to the Old Testament, and the principle of sowing and reaping (Ps. 112:9). The farmer is scattering generous seed, and pictures the wealthy individual who is blessing the average income person, not someone who is extremely destitute in this case. The Old Testament gleaning laws provided for the widow and the orphan. Additional support for the needy had to come from a generous 3 heart, which the Lord encouraged with the promise of good favor (Ps. 112:5) (IVP Commentary). God’s promise to the farmer is His promise to the generous giver. He will provide what they need and the seed for next year’s harvest. He will increase our material “seed” so that we can use it to bless others--the more we give, the more we get. The more we get, the more we give. The world thinks this is foolish, but Paul knew it was reality to the Christian (IVP Commentary). In Matthew 19:29, Jesus promised that those who give would reap a hundred fold. His promise was not a promise of material wealth per se, but one who gives to God will never lose out in the end. Whether spiritual or material, blessing is promised (Guzik). 12 For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the ​ saints but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Paul is not saying in these verses that wealth or surplus will be a result of one’s giving. Rather, he is encouraging a life of generosity which flows from the believer with a giving heart. God will provide for the needs of those who generously give to the needs of others. He will give so they can continue to bless others. The “needs of the saints” are those things which the Jerusalem church genuinely needed to make ends’ meet. Paul was calling upon the Corinthians to provide for the needs of their brothers, and watch what God did to bless them. As a result, God would receive thanks and praise for what He provided for the Corinthians and the saints in Jerusalem. He would ultimately get glory from the Corinthians’ generosity (IVP Commentary). 4 13 Because of the proof provided by this ministry, they will glorify God for ​ your obedient confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone. 14 And as they pray on your behalf, ​ ​ they will have deep affection for you because of the surpassing grace of God in you. 15 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! ​ ​ The IVP Commentary gives us the following notes on v. 13: Paul's point is that to be vital and living, profession of faith must issue in works. The Corinthians' willing contribution to the Jerusalem collection shows that they possess a faith that accepts the claims of the gospel and obeys its dictates as well. Phillips's "that you practise the gospel . that you profess to believe in" captures the sense exactly. Paul is not alone in closely linking profession and practice. James similarly states that "faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead" (2:17, 26) and "useless" (v. 20). The Judean recipients will praise God, second, for the Corinthians' generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else (v. 13). This is the last of three occurrences of haplotes ​ ("generosity") in chapters 8--9. In all three cases the noun denotes simplicity of intent with respect to one's finances ("openheartedness"; 8:2; 9:11, 13). It is generosity of the heart, not the pocketbook, that counts. The recipients will praise God not merely for a gift of money but also for the fellowship in Christ that the gift expresses (Dahl 1977:35).
Recommended publications
  • Idol Meat and Evangelization

    Idol Meat and Evangelization

    Chapter 4 Idol Meat and Evangelization 1 Corinthians 8–9 UNDERSTANDING Pages 52 - 57 DISCUSSION Pages 58 - 64 Understanding / Idol Meat and Evangelization UNDERSTANDING WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THIS PASSAGE? Read 1 Corinthians 8–9 The Big Picture As the Corinthians struggled with the problem of eating meat sacrificed to idols, St. Paul will use love and his own example to persuade them. At first, it doesn’t seem that the Corinthians’ problem with eating meat sacrificed to idols has much to do with us in the 21st century. But St. Paul’s words 2,000 years ago still have much to teach us today about care for fellow Christians and evangelizing others. Love and Knowledge (1 Corinthian 8:1–6) Continuing his responses to the Corinthians, St. Paul addresses the following question: Should Christians eat meat from animals slaughtered in the pagan temples during religious ceremonies? First, we must realize how ingrained this practice was in the lives of the Corinthians. Because of the large number of temples, and thus animal sacrifices, in Corinth, most meat was bought from a temple. Plus, the temples were the center of the social scene in Corinth. Weddings, birthdays, and other celebrations were celebrated in the temple with a meal. Business networking and success came through attending and hosting parties in the temple. To attend the party but not to eat the food offered would have been an offense to the host. It is mostly likely that the ones who wrote to St. Paul were okay with eating idol meat.
  • 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 a Model for Those Who Seek to Win Souls

    1 Corinthians 9:19-23 a Model for Those Who Seek to Win Souls

    Restoration Quarterly Volume 29 Number 3 Article 1 7-1-1987 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 A Model for Those Who Seek to Win Souls Kenneth V. Neller Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.acu.edu/restorationquarterly Part of the Biblical Studies Commons, Christian Denominations and Sects Commons, Christianity Commons, Comparative Methodologies and Theories Commons, History of Christianity Commons, Liturgy and Worship Commons, Missions and World Christianity Commons, Practical Theology Commons, and the Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion Commons Recommended Citation Neller, Kenneth V. (1987) "1 Corinthians 9:19-23 A Model for Those Who Seek to Win Souls," Restoration Quarterly: Vol. 29 : No. 3 , Article 1. Available at: https://digitalcommons.acu.edu/restorationquarterly/vol29/iss3/1 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Journals at Digital Commons @ ACU. It has been accepted for inclusion in Restoration Quarterly by an authorized editor of Digital Commons @ ACU. ISSN 0486-5642 ResLouaLton _ aauLeRl&' I Corinthians 9119-23 A Model for Those 'Who Seek to Wm Souls KENNE1H V. NELLER Lexington, Kentucky Only since the Second World War, perhaps from the impetus of a growing missions awareness, has modem scholarship given 1 Corinthians 9: 19-23 much attention. Scholars priorl o this time generally viewed these verses as having no exegetical significance other than a simple statement of Paul's missionary technique. Little work was done to relate these verses to the context of the epistle. This is no doubt why even as late as 1953, Clarence Tucker Craig could say of chapter 9 as a whole, "It does not directly advance the discussion of the immediate issue." 1 Recent scholars, however, have begun to recognize the significance of these verses.2 Chadwick goes so far as to use this passage in an attempt to understand Paul's method of dealing with all of the problems addressed in 1 Corinthians.
  • The Cross and Christian Generosity 2 Corinthians 8-9 Where We're Going

    The Cross and Christian Generosity 2 Corinthians 8-9 Where We're Going

    The Cross and Christian Community The Cross and Christian Generosity Dr. David Platt November 24, 2013 The Cross and Christian Generosity 2 Corinthians 8-9 If you have His Word, and I hope you do, I’m going to invite you to open with me to 2 Corinthians 8. Pull out that Worship Guide you received when you came in. I know growing up as a kid—in my house and now as a husband and a dad in my house—there were times when my dad or now I (as dad) would call a family meeting, and everybody gets together around the room, and you know there’s maybe something to celebrate or maybe there’s something in the family that we need to address. As I have prayed about and prepared this week in light of this text for this gathering right now, I feel like that’s what this is. In a way, it’s different. There’s a sense in which this happens every week when we gather together as a faith family to meet together. So, in a sense, every Sunday is that, but maybe in a unique way today, in light of some things that are particularly heavy on my heart as a pastor in this faith family, I put aside my notes and iPad that I usually use and got the Worship Guide here that’s got some notes in it. I was not going to have anything; I was just going to stand or sit on the stairs or something, but my back’s been causing some problems, so I’m going to have something to lean on.
  • | 1 Corinthians | Week 14 Scripture Guide | 1 Corinthians 9:1-27

    | 1 Corinthians | Week 14 Scripture Guide | 1 Corinthians 9:1-27

    | 1 Corinthians | Week 14 Scripture Guide | 1 Corinthians 9:1-27 Biblical Context Paul has been writing about Christians not allowing their “right” (ἐξουσία, exousia , “authority”) to become a stumbling block to someone else (1 Cor 8:9). He ended chapter 8 with his assertion, “Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble” (8:13).1 Paul now further shares how he surrenders his “rights” for the sake of the gospel.2 He opens by asking a series of rhetorical questions using his apostleship as the basis for what follows.3 Some in Corinth doubt his apostleship (9:2a) while Paul shows how the existence of the church in Corinth is evidence of his “apostleship in the Lord” (9:1-2; 2 Cor 3:1-3; Acts 18). If anyone has “rights” or spiritual authority in Corinth, it is Paul and other apostles. While he has asked Christians in Corinth to give up their rights for the sake of the gospel, he shows how he has done the same. In chapter 1, Paul addressed divisions in the church which had their root in the Corinthians viewing the teachers in terms of popular contemporary philosophy—involving the form and content of teaching (cf. 1:17; 2:1-5), but also their teachers’ means of support.4 “Philosophers and wandering missionaries in the Greco-Roman world made their living in one of four ways: fees, patronage, begging, and working. Each of these had both proponents and detractors, who viewed rival forms as not worthy of philosophy.”5 In 9:4-14, Paul explains that he is fully aware of his rights as a teacher and an apostle, which include the meeting of basic sustenance (9:4), taking a believing wife (9:5),6 and refraining from having to work for his own support (9:6).
  • OFFERTORY SENTENCES Exodus 25:1-2 -- the LORD Said to Moses

    OFFERTORY SENTENCES Exodus 25:1-2 -- the LORD Said to Moses

    OFFERTORY SENTENCES 2 Corinthians 8:7 -- Paul writes, "Just as you excel in everything -- in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for one another -- see that Exodus 25:1-2 -- The LORD said to Moses, "Tell my people to bring me an offering. you also excel in this grace of giving." You are to accept the offerings from all whose hearts prompt them to give." 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 -- Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap Ex. 34:20b, 26 -- No one is to appear before the LORD empty-handed. Bring the best sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you of the firstfruits of your labors to the house of the LORD your God. should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace Leviticus 27:30 -- A tenth of everything from your labor in the land belongs to the abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will LORD -- whether grain from the soil, fruit from the trees, or wages from your work - abound in every good work. - it is holy to the LORD. 2 Corinthians 9:10-11 -- Now the Lord who supplies seed to the sower and bread to Deuteronomy 14:22, 29b -- Be sure to set aside a tenth of the produce from all your the eater will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge your fields and labors each year, so that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work harvest.
  • THINGS to ALL PEOPLE an Exegetical Paper

    THINGS to ALL PEOPLE an Exegetical Paper

    ALL THINGS TO ALL PEOPLE An Exegetical Paper on 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 19 For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. 20 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. 21 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. 22 To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. 23 I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings. I Corinthians 9:19-23, ESV INTRODUCTION The passage is commonly used with regards to missions and evangelism. It is, however, a common observation that among some Christians (who may really be sincere in preaching the gospel), the message of the cross is sometimes sacrificed as they try to tailor fit the method and the message depending on the needs or even interests of the people to whom they are witnessing. As an example, it is prevalent among the young people to want to be entertained. As a result there are youth services that focus more on rock worship music, fun games, and ultimately self-centered messages.
  • 1 Corinthians

    1 Corinthians

    6-SESSION BIBLE STUDY 1 CORINTHIANS Remember Who We Are Exodus —Journey of Fear, Doubt, and Blessing Exodus —Journey of Fear, 1 Corinthians—Remember Are Who We 1 CORINTHIANS Remember Who We Are LifeWay Press® • Nashville, Tennessee EXPLORE THE BIBLE: 1 Corinthians— Remember Who You Are © 2017 LifeWay Press® ISBN 978-1-4627-9287-0 • Item 005801650 Dewey decimal classification: 227.2 Let the Word dwell in you. Subject headings: BIBLE. N.T. 1 CORINTHIANS \ CHURCH \ CHRISTIAN LIFE ERIC GEIGER Vice President, LifeWay Resources MICHAEL KELLY Director, Groups Ministry CLINT PRESSLEY General Editor Send questions/comments to: Content Editor, Explore the Bible: Small-Group Study; One LifeWay Plaza; With Explore the Bible groups can expect to engage Nashville, TN 37234. Scripture in its proper context and be better prepared Printed in the United States of America to live it out in their own context. These book-by-book For ordering or inquiries visit LifeWay.com; write to LifeWay Small Groups; One LifeWay Plaza; Nashville, TN studies will help participants— 37234; or call toll free 800-458-2772. We believe that the Bible has God for its author; ❯ grow in their love for Scripture; salvation for its end; and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter and that all Scripture is totally true and trustworthy. To review LifeWay’s doctrinal ❯ gain new knowledge about what the Bible teaches; guideline, please visit lifeway.com/doctrinalguideline. Scripture quotations are taken from the Christian ❯ develop biblical disciplines; Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers®. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman ❯ internalize the Word in a way that transforms Bible Publishers.
  • Sermon on 2 Corinthians 9:1-15 Prepared by Jonathan Shradar Find

    Sermon on 2 Corinthians 9:1-15 Prepared by Jonathan Shradar Find

    Sermon on 2 Corinthians 9:1-15 prepared by Jonathan Shradar Find your sufficiency in Jesus. Over the last few weeks, there have been many questions and conversations about how the church should go on existing through this pandemic. Do we submit to government guidance, do we take up civil disobedience, is there some middle ground? How do we persist in preaching the gospel and caring for the wellbeing of those in the church and our neighbors? We have made our perspective clear, but the conversations had me reflecting this week on how the church is perceived by those neighbors we are called to love. Are we seen as people of integrity, honorably participating in our communities? Loving, others-oriented people. Or is the prevailing perception more one of a posture of being better than everyone else, above the law, arrogantly seeking self… As I ponder I am afraid it is far more of the latter. In this revealing pandemic season - as people latch onto ideas and perspectives that give them confidence or a sense of superiority, the church, believers have the opportunity to claim the biblically formed path. To endeavor toward Christlikeness. To have our witness emboldened by grace and the generosity of the Lord. From a text on cheerful giving, we see where we may have gone wrong and how to get back again, to be the church as the image of the Kingdom we are called to be. Find your sufficiency in Jesus. 2 Corinthians 9 Earlier this year Gustavo Bernal was giving me a tour of Point Loma University, and we were in their beautiful prayer chapel… there students were encouraged to write statements or prayer on pieces of paper and pin them to the wall or to a cross in the room.
  • The Gift That Keeps on Giving 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 This Morning We

    The Gift That Keeps on Giving 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 This Morning We

    1 The Gift That Keeps On Giving 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 This morning we are in week three of our sermon series “Graced to Give.” Throughout the course of this study we have been reminded continually that we have been greatly graced by God. We would not be who we are or where we are today if it weren’t for God and His amazing grace. Grace is not something that we have earned or deserved. It is something that God gives out of His mercy and love for us. The greatest evidence and expression of this grace occurred when God gave the gift of His Son for us. John 3:16 clearly states, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” God showed His love to us by generously giving His own Son so that we might be saved. What an amazing gift! However, I am convinced that God’s gifts didn’t end with Jesus. He is still giving to us today. We saw that last week in 2 Corinthians 8:9 which states, “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.” The fact is that the riches of God’s presence, promises and provisions are afforded to all who believe in Jesus. So, while Jesus is clearly a gift to us, His death on the cross wasn’t the final gift.
  • 2018 Bible Bowl Test for Grades K-6

    2018 Bible Bowl Test for Grades K-6

    2018 Bible Bowl Test for Grades K-6 1. According to 1 Corinthians 1:18, the message of the cross is to those who are being saved. A. The power of God B. Joyous C. Meaningful D. Useless 2. According to 1 Corinthians 1:25, what is the weakness of God stronger than? A. Satan B. The rulers of this age C. Men D. The kingdoms of this world 3. According to 1 Corinthians 2:4, Paul’s speech and preaching were not with . A. God B. Persuasive words C. Truth D. Love 4. According to 1 Corinthians 2:15, what does he who is spiritual judge? A. Only spiritual things B. Nothing C. All things D. Believers 5. According to 1 Corinthians 3:5-6, Paul described himself and Apollos as ministers (servants) through whom the Corinthians believed. As a minister, Paul planted. What did Apollos do? A. Watered B. Cultivated C. Harvested D. Plowed 6. According to 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, as a wise master builder what foundation did Paul lay? A. Salvation B. Hope C. Love D. Jesus Christ 7. According to 1 Corinthians 4:5, what things will the Lord bring to light when He comes? A. All good things B. Things to reward us with C. Things hidden in darkness D. The secrets of Satan 8. According to 1 Corinthians 4:14, Paul stated that he did not write these things to shame the Corinthians, but to what? A. Help them B. Bless them C. Encourage them D. Warn them 9. In 1 Corinthians 4:21, Paul asks the Corinthians if they would rather he come to them with a rod or in love with a spirit of .
  • The Chapters of 1 Corinthians

    The Chapters of 1 Corinthians

    Scholars Crossing An Alliterated Outline for the Chapters of the Bible A Guide to the Systematic Study of the Bible 5-2018 The Chapters of 1 Corinthians Harold Willmington Liberty University, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/outline_chapters_bible Part of the Biblical Studies Commons, Christianity Commons, and the Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion Commons Recommended Citation Willmington, Harold, "The Chapters of 1 Corinthians" (2018). An Alliterated Outline for the Chapters of the Bible. 57. https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/outline_chapters_bible/57 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the A Guide to the Systematic Study of the Bible at Scholars Crossing. It has been accepted for inclusion in An Alliterated Outline for the Chapters of the Bible by an authorized administrator of Scholars Crossing. For more information, please contact [email protected]. 1 Corinthians SECTION OUTLINE ONE (1 CORINTHIANS 1) Paul begins his first letter to the Corinthian church by giving thanks to God for the many gifts this church has received from the Lord. He then addresses two problems facing the Corinthian church. I. THE PERSONAL GREETINGS FROM PAUL (1:1-3) A. The recipients (1:1-2) 1. Paul writes to the Corinthian believers (1:1-2a). 2. Paul writes to all believers (1:2b). B. The blessing (1:3): Paul wishes them grace and peace. II. THE PRAYER OF PAUL (1:4-9) A. Paul thanks God for the gifts God has given the Corinthian believers (1:4-7): They received all the spiritual gifts.
  • 1 Corinthians 9:19-22 (

    1 Corinthians 9:19-22 (

    The Berean: Daily Verse and Commentary for 1 Corinthians 9:19-22 (http://www.theberean.org) 1 Corinthians 9:19-22 (19) For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; (20) and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; (21) to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law; (22) to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. New King James Version Paul mentions five times here that he is trying to “win” different people, and in verse 22, he writes that he is trying to “save some.” This passage is commonly interpreted that Paul would present himself differently in various circumstances to win people for Christ; he became all things to all men in order to “save” at least some of them. This interpretation fits the general evangelical belief that Christians should do whatever is necessary to “win souls for Christ” and to get all manner of people “saved” before they die. However, if that is what this passage means, then holy Scripture is broken (see John 10:35)! Such a reading contradicts numerous other clear biblical statements.