“Although I am free from all and not anyone’s slave, I have made myself a slave to everyone, in order to win more people.
To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win Jews; to those under the law, like one under the law—though I myself am not under the law—to win those under the law.
To those who are without the law, like one without the law—though I am not without God’s law but under the law of Christ—to win those without the law.
To the weak I became weak, in order to win the weak. I have become all things to all people, so that I may by every possible means save some.
Now I do all this because of the gospel, so that I may share in the blessings.”
-1 Corinthians 9:19-23 (CSB)
In 1 Corinthians 9:22, the Apostle Paul says, “To the weak I became weak, in order to win the weak. I have become all things to all people, so that I may by every possible means save some.” This statement encapsulates a vital principle for missions and cross-cultural evangelism: contextualization. However, it’s crucial to understand what contextualization is and, more importantly, what it is not.
Paul’s Heart for the Gospel
Paul’s driving motivation was the salvation of others. He yearned to rescue people from God’s wrath and introduce them to the eternal life found in Christ. This passion fueled his ministry and shaped his approach to different people groups.
Adaptation for Connection
Paul understood that to effectively communicate the gospel, he needed to adapt his methods and approach. He was willing to step outside of his cultural comfort zone to connect with those who were different from him. We see this in his examples.
Weak to win the weak: Paul identified with those who were struggling, meeting them where they were with compassion and understanding.
Jew to win the Jews: He utilized Jewish customs, language, and arguments to effectively communicate with his own people.
Under the law/not having the law: He adapted his presentation of the gospel to those under the Mosaic Law and those outside of it, recognizing their different starting points and cultural frameworks.
1 Corinthians 9:19-23 (with Broader Context)
To better understand Paul’s approach, let’s examine 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 in detail, considering its broader context within 1 Corinthians 9.
Context of 1 Corinthians 9: It’s vital to understand that 1 Corinthians 9 is not just about general cultural adaptation. It’s about Paul’s willingness to limit his apostolic rights for the sake of the gospel. Paul had the right to financial support from the churches, to travel with a wife, and to be respected as an apostle. However, he often chose not to exercise these rights if it would hinder the gospel’s reception. This section explores the tension between Paul’s freedom in Christ and his self-imposed limitations for the sake of ministry.
Voluntary Servitude (v. 19):
“For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them.” Paul emphasizes his freedom (“free from all”) but chooses to become a “servant” (Greek: doulos, slave) to all. This highlights the voluntary nature of his self-limitation and his desire to “win more people” (Greek: kerdainō, gain). This sets the stage for the specific examples of adaptation that follow.
Adaptation to Specific Groups (vv. 20-22):
Paul gives several examples of how he adapted his approach.
“To the Jews I became like a Jew”: He accommodated Jewish customs and sensibilities to connect with his own people.
“To those under the law I became like one under the law”: He related to those who were still observing the Mosaic Law, even though he was not bound by it himself.
“To those outside the law I became as one outside the law”: He adapted to Gentiles, who were not under the Mosaic Law, while clarifying that he was “not without God’s law but under the law of Christ” (v. 21). This is a crucial clarification, emphasizing that he didn’t abandon God’s moral standards. Paul understood that he was no longer bound by the law of Moses in any way, and now lived under the authority of Christ. The law of Christ.
“To the weak I became weak”: Paul identified with those struggling in faith or in other ways, showing empathy and sensitivity.
“I have become all things to all people”: This is the culmination of Paul’s examples, emphasizing the extent of his adaptability. It doesn’t mean he adopted all behaviors or beliefs, but that he was willing to adjust his communication style, his cultural references, and his overall approach to connect with diverse groups.
“That by all means I might save some”: “By all means” (Greek: pantōs) stresses Paul’s determination and perseverance. He was willing to use every ethically appropriate method to reach people.
“Save some” (Greek: sōzō) highlights Paul’s ultimate goal: the salvation of individuals. He recognizes that not everyone will respond to the gospel, but he is driven by the hope of saving as many as possible.
Purpose for Adaptation (v. 23):
“I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.” Paul’s motivation is clearly stated: it’s all “for the sake of the gospel.” He wants others to “share in its blessings.”
The Crucial Caveat: Message Unchanged
It is absolutely essential to emphasize that contextualization is not about changing the message. Paul never compromised the core truths of the Gospel and Christian faith. He adapted his methods, but the message always remained the same:
The nature of God: His holiness, love, and justice.
The sinfulness of humanity: Our need for salvation.
The person and work of Jesus Christ: His deity, death, resurrection, and Lordship.
Salvation by grace through faith: Not by human works.
The authority of Scripture: The Bible as the inspired and infallible Word of God.
Why Contextualization Matters
Effective Communication: The gospel message must be understood to be received. Contextualization bridges cultural and linguistic gaps, making the message clear and accessible.
Relevance to Lives: Contextualization demonstrates the relevance of the gospel to people’s specific lives and experiences. It shows them that the message is not abstract but deeply personal and transformative.
An Act of Love: Contextualization is an act of love. It reflects a willingness to go the extra mile, to learn and adapt, to sacrifice in order to connect with people and show them that they are valued and understood.
Avoiding the “Bubble”
Those who argue against contextualization, apparently, disagree with the Apostle Paul here, and most likely lack the experience of engaging with people unlike themselves. They may be trapped in a “bubble” of cultural assumptions, where their own ways of thinking and behaving are considered the norm, and other cultures are viewed as strange or wrong. Effective cross-cultural ministry requires a willingness to step outside of this “bubble” and learn to understand how other people think and operate out of love in order to reach them.
Conclusion
Contextualization is a vital principle for missions. It’s about faithfully communicating the unchanging gospel in a way that is culturally relevant and understandable. It requires sensitivity, humility, sacrifice, and a willingness to adapt. However, it must never compromise the core truths of the Gospel and Christian faith. When done rightly, as Paul shows us, it is a powerful tool for reaching the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
