1 Corinthians 9:20 – “To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Paul explains how he adapted his approach to different groups of people in order to share the gospel effectively. He says that when he was with Jewish people, he related to them as a Jew. When he was with those who followed the Old Testament Law (such as devout Jews), he adjusted his approach so that he could connect with them.

Paul makes it clear that he is not actually bound by the Old Testament Law—meaning he is no longer required to follow Jewish customs because he is now under the new covenant in Christ. However, he still chooses to observe certain Jewish customs when necessary to remove any barriers that might prevent Jewish people from listening to his message about Jesus.

This verse highlights an important principle: Paul did not change the gospel message, but he did adjust his approach so that different people would be more willing to hear it. His goal was always to “win” people—not in a competitive sense, but in the sense of bringing them to salvation in Christ.

Historical Context

Paul was a Jewish man who had been deeply committed to the Old Testament Law before his conversion. He had been a Pharisee, strictly following Jewish customs and traditions (Philippians 3:5-6). However, after encountering Jesus, he realized that salvation comes through faith in Christ, not by keeping the Law (Galatians 2:16).

Even though Paul no longer lived under the Old Testament Law, he still had a heart for his fellow Jews. He wanted them to know Jesus as their Messiah. He understood that many Jews would be hesitant to listen to someone who completely rejected their customs, so he was willing to follow Jewish traditions (when appropriate) in order to keep doors open for sharing the gospel.

For example, in Acts 16:3, Paul had Timothy circumcised, not because it was required for salvation, but because it would help remove an obstacle when ministering to Jews. Likewise, in Acts 21:23-26, Paul took part in a Jewish purification ritual at the temple to avoid unnecessary conflict with Jewish believers.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches several key truths about evangelism and Christian living:

1. The Gospel is for Everyone – Paul understood that the message of Jesus was not just for one group of people. He was willing to cross cultural barriers to bring salvation to as many people as possible.

2. Adapting Without Compromising – Paul did not change the truth of the gospel, but he adjusted his approach depending on who he was trying to reach. This teaches us that while the message never changes, the method of delivering it can vary.

3. Humility in Ministry – Paul was not focused on his own comfort or preferences. He was willing to humble himself and adjust his lifestyle when necessary for the sake of reaching others.

4. Freedom in Christ – Paul makes it clear that he is not actually under the Law. This highlights the fact that, in Christ, believers are not required to follow Old Testament ceremonial laws. However, Paul’s willingness to observe certain customs for the sake of others shows that Christian freedom includes the freedom to serve others, even at personal cost.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s words in this verse are very deliberate. He uses repetition:

• “To the Jews I became like a Jew…”
• “To those under the law I became like one under the law…”

This repetition reinforces the idea that Paul intentionally adapted to different people in order to reach them for Christ.

Paul also carefully clarifies his position—he says, “though I myself am not under the law.” This is important because it makes clear that he is not contradicting the gospel message. He is not pretending that salvation comes through the Law; rather, he is removing unnecessary barriers that might keep Jewish people from hearing about Jesus.

The word “win” appears twice in this verse. Paul’s goal is clear—he wants to bring people to Christ. His use of this word throughout 1 Corinthians 9 emphasizes his missionary mindset.

Biblical Cross-References

• Romans 1:16 – “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.” Paul’s approach reflects this priority.
• Galatians 2:16 – “A person is not justified by the works of the law, but through faith in Jesus Christ.” Paul’s message was clear—salvation is by faith, not by following the Law.
• Acts 16:3 – Paul had Timothy circumcised to remove barriers in Jewish ministry.
• Acts 21:23-26 – Paul participated in a Jewish purification ritual to avoid unnecessary controversy.
• Philippians 3:7-8 – Paul, though once a strict Pharisee, considered his past legalistic righteousness as “garbage” compared to knowing Christ.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse challenges believers to think about how they share the gospel. Paul’s example teaches us that we should be willing to meet people where they are in order to effectively share Christ with them.

For modern Christians, this might mean:

• Learning about other cultures so we can better relate to people from different backgrounds.
• Avoiding unnecessary arguments about non-essential issues that could distract from the gospel.
• Adapting our communication style depending on who we are speaking with. For example, we might present the gospel differently to a child than to a scholar.
• Putting aside personal preferences when necessary for the sake of unity and outreach.

Paul’s approach reminds us that sharing the gospel is not about proving a point or winning debates—it is about bringing people to Jesus.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in how He meets people where they are. Paul’s willingness to adapt reflects God’s own approach—He did not wait for people to reach Him; He came down to them.

• God met Israel in the Law – Before Jesus came, God gave Israel the Law to guide them and point them to their need for a Savior.
• Jesus met people in their needs – He healed the sick, ate with sinners, and spoke in ways they could understand.
• The Holy Spirit empowers believers to reach others – Just as God met us where we were, He calls us to go and reach others with His love.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Paul’s approach in this verse reflects the very heart of Jesus’ mission.

• John 1:14 – “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” Jesus Himself became human to reach humanity.
• Philippians 2:5-7 – Jesus humbled Himself and took on the nature of a servant to bring salvation. Paul is following this same pattern by adapting himself to others in order to lead them to Christ.
• Matthew 9:10-12 – Jesus ate with sinners and tax collectors, meeting them where they were instead of expecting them to change first.
• Luke 19:10 – “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Like Jesus, Paul was willing to go wherever necessary to reach people for God’s kingdom.

Paul’s actions were a direct reflection of Jesus’ love—reaching people where they are, removing unnecessary barriers, and leading them to salvation.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Are there any personal preferences or habits that might be creating unnecessary barriers for sharing the gospel?
2. How can you better relate to people from different backgrounds in order to share Christ effectively?
3. Are you willing to humble yourself, as Paul did, to serve others and help them know Jesus?
4. In what ways can you follow Jesus’ example of meeting people where they are?
5. How does Paul’s strategy challenge the way you think about evangelism?

Paul’s message in this verse is clear—sharing the gospel requires humility, wisdom, and a willingness to meet people where they are. The goal is not to win arguments but to win souls. As we follow Paul’s example, we follow the example of Christ Himself, who came down to us so that we could know Him.