For the Gospel's Sake 1 Corinthians 9:23

Paul the apostle told the church members in Corinth, “to the weak” he “became as weak, that” he “might gain the weak”, and he declared that he was “made all things to all men, that” he “might by all means save some”. In chapter nine and verse twenty-three of First Corinthians, Paul told the Corinthians he did this, “for the gospel's sake” where we read:

And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.

The verse begins, “And this I do for the gospel's sake, ...” Paul began with the words, “and this” which refers to “Paul was made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some” “I do” or “Paul did” “for the gospel's” which means “on behalf and on account of the glad tidings of the kingdom of God soon to be set up and subsequently also of Jesus the Messiah who is the founder of this kingdom” “sake” or “cause and reason”. Paul became what he needed to be able to share the “gospel” with as many people as possible.

The verse goes on to say, “...that I might be partaker thereof with you.” Paul added the words, “that I might be” or “so Paul become, happen and receive being as a” “partaker” which means “a participant and joint partner” “thereof” which means “in the same way” “with you” which means “with the church members”. Paul knew if he “became all things to all men”, he would not only “participate” in the “gospel” benefits afforded to him, but would also “participate” with those within the church of Corinth who shared the “gospel” message.

When we think through these words from Paul, we understand his resolve to “be all things to all men” that he might be able to “participate” with the church members in the results of “the gospel”. Paul desired for all people to be exposed to salvation through Jesus Christ, and when he identified with “everyone”, he made himself available to be a “joint partner” with those within Corinth who shared the “good news” as well. This is a Godly manner, and when we understand and receive it, we may be “joint partners” with others in the “gospel” message.

Next time Paul asks the Corinthians if they knew, “they which run in a race run all, but one receives the prize?”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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