Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 Corinthians 9:21

"to them that are without law, as without law, not being without law to God, but under law to Christ, that I might gain them that are without law." — 1 Corinthians 9:21 (ASV)

For the Gentiles “without the law,” those who did not have any written revelation from God (Romans 2:12), Paul says he became like one not having the law —and took his place in their culture in order to reach them (cf. Galatians 2:11–21). But he hastens to correct any misunderstanding: he counts himself still under God’s law, and even more, under Christ’s law.