1 Corinthians 9:19

For though. was free from all men,. brought myself under bondage to all, that. might gain the more.

'free from all men' -Again he asserts his own liberty in Christ (1 Corinthians 9:1). Paul had the same "rights" as every other Christian. But instead of insisting on them, to the point of hindering the gospel, Paul enslaved himself to all men.

'I brought myself under bondage to all' -'Voluntary bondage' (Robertson p. 147); 'yet. have freely and happily become. servant of any and all' (Tay). That is, dedicated to the highest good of all. This is the language of Jesus. (Mark 10:45; Luke 22:27; Matthew 20:26 '..but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant.')

'This utterly outstrips any freedom which the Corinthian disciples and protagonists might vauntingly claim. The pagan Stoics, too, had much to say about inner freedom which enabled. man by philosophy and by training to rise far above either pain or joy. Paul would stagger these pagans when he declares: "I have made mine own self. slave to all." No Stoic would understand that.' (Lenski p. 375)

'that' -the purpose.

'I might gain the more' -'So far from doing what he had the abstract right to do. he made every necessary concession wherever he saw. possibility of bring souls to Christ.' (Erdman p. 97)

'As Paul reflected on Corinth and the terrible need there he undoubtedly thought: "I must and. will." Now we hear: "I did!" (Whom do you know who fits this description?. genuinely hope you do know someone like that.) Stories circulate of people selling themselves into slavery just so they can get to preach. Stories of people, entering valleys of lepers, never to be seen again, just so they can "gain the more."' (McGuiggan p. 130)

Points to Note:

1. "Freedom/Rights" were not Paul's goal, rather it was the salvation of others.

2. Making oneself. servant of others, is following the example of Christ (1 Peter 2:5), who also became. "slave" in order to "save". Hence to become. slave to all is surely the ultimate expression of what is true Christianity, because it is truly Christlike behavior.

Paul now describes what being. slave to all men includes: Here are the various social settings in which he served others.