Albert Barnes Commentary 1 Corinthians 9:22

"To the weak I became weak, that I might gain the weak: I am become all things to all men, that I may by all means save some." — 1 Corinthians 9:22 (ASV)

To the weak. See Barnes on Romans 15:1.

To those weak in faith, scrupulous about certain observances, whose consciences were tender and unenlightened, and who would be offended even by things that might in themselves be lawful. He did not lacerate their feelings and run counter to their prejudices merely for the sake of doing it.

Became I as weak. I did not shock them. I complied with their customs. I conformed to them in my dress, habits, manner of life, and even in the services of religion. I abstained from food that they considered it their duty to abstain from, and if I had partaken of it, I would have offended them.

Paul did not do this to gratify himself or them, but to do them good. His example should teach us not to make it the main business of life to gratify ourselves. It should also teach us not to lacerate the feelings of others, not to excite their prejudices needlessly, and not to offend them when it will do no good.

If truth offends people, we cannot help it. But in matters of ceremony, dress, habits, customs, and forms, we should be willing to conform to them, as far as can be done, for the sole purpose of saving their souls.

I am made all things to all men. I become all things; that is, I accommodate myself to them in all things, so far as can be done with a good conscience.

That I might by all means. Pantōs. This means that I might use every possible endeavour so that some at least might be saved.

It is implied here that the opposition to the gospel was everywhere great and that people were reluctant to embrace it. The great majority were heading for ruin. Therefore, Paul was willing to make the highest possible exertions, to deny himself, and to practise every innocent art, that he might save a few at least from the innumerable multitudes going to death and hell.

It follows from this:

1. That people are in danger of ruin.
2. We should make an effort to save people. We should deny ourselves, and give ourselves to toil and privation, that we may save some at least from ruin.

3. The doctrine of universal salvation is not true.

   If it were, what use or propriety would there have been in these efforts of Paul?

   If all were to be saved, why should he deny himself, and labour and toil to save "SOME?"

   Why should a person make a constant effort to save a few at least, if he knew well that all were to be saved?

   Assuredly, Paul did not know or believe that all people would be saved; but if the doctrine is true, he would have been quite as likely to have known it as its modern advocates and defenders.