Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. New Living Translation When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law, I too live apart from that law so I can bring them to Christ. But I do not ignore the law of God; I obey the law of Christ. English Standard Version To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. Berean Standard Bible To those without the law I became like one without the law (though I am not outside the law of God but am under the law of Christ), to win those without the law. Berean Literal Bible to those without the law, as without the law (not being without the law of God, but within the law of Christ), so that I might gain those without the law. King James Bible To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. New King James Version to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law; New American Standard Bible to those who are without the Law, I became as one without the Law, though not being without the law of God but under the law of Christ, so that I might gain those who are without the Law. NASB 1995 to those who are without law, as without law, though not being without the law of God but under the law of Christ, so that I might win those who are without law. NASB 1977 to those who are without law, as without law, though not being without the law of God but under the law of Christ, that I might win those who are without law. Legacy Standard Bible To those who are without law, as without law, though not being without the law of God but under the law of Christ, so that I might win those who are without law. Amplified Bible To those who are without (outside) the Law, [I became] as one without the Law, though [I am] not without the law of God, but under the law of Christ, so that I might win those who are without law. Berean Annotated Bible To those without the law I became like one without the law (though I am not outside the law of God {Theou} but am under the law of Christ), to win those without the law. Christian Standard Bible 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. Holman Christian Standard Bible To those who are without that law, like one without the law—not being without God’s law but within Christ’s law—to win those without the law. American Standard Version 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. Contemporary English Version And when I am with people who are not ruled by the Law, I forget about the Law to win them. Of course, I never really forget about the law of God. In fact, I am ruled by the law of Christ. English Revised Version 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. GOD'S WORD® Translation I became like a person who does not have Moses' Teachings for those who don't have those teachings. I did this to win them even though I have God's teachings. I'm really subject to Christ's teachings. Good News Translation In the same way, when working with Gentiles, I live like a Gentile, outside the Jewish Law, in order to win Gentiles. This does not mean that I don't obey God's law; I am really under Christ's law. International Standard Version To those who do not have the Law, I became like a man who does not have the Law in order to win those who do not have the Law. However, I am not free from God's Law, but I'm subject to the Messiah's law. NET Bible To those free from the law I became like one free from the law (though I am not free from God's law but under the law of Christ) to gain those free from the law. New Heart English Bible to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law. Webster's Bible Translation To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. Weymouth New Testament to men without Law as if I were without Law--although I am not without Law in relation to God but am abiding in Christ's Law--in order to win those who are without Law. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleTo those without the law I became like one without the law (though I am not outside the law of God but am under the law of Christ), to win those without the law. World English Bible to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionto those without law, as without law—(not being without law to God, but within law to Christ)—that I might gain those without law; Berean Literal Bible to those without the law, as without the law (not being without the law of God, but within the law of Christ), so that I might gain those without the law. Young's Literal Translation to those without law, as without law -- (not being without law to God, but within law to Christ) -- that I might gain those without law; Smith's Literal Translation To the lawless, as lawless, (not being lawless to God, but subject to the law to Christ,) that I might gain the lawless, Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleTo them that are under the law, as if I were under the law, (whereas myself was not under the law,) that I might gain them that were under the law. To them that were without the law, as if I were without the law, (whereas I was not without the law of God, but was in the law of Christ,) that I might gain them that were without the law. Catholic Public Domain Version To those who are under the law, I became as if I were under the law, (though I was not under the law) so that I might gain those who were under the law. To those who were without the law, I became as if I were without the law, (though I was not without the law of God, being in the law of Christ) so that I might gain those who were without the law. New American Bible To those outside the law I became like one outside the law—though I am not outside God’s law but within the law of Christ—to win over those outside the law. New Revised Standard Version To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law) so that I might win those outside the law. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleTo those who are without law, I became like one who is without law, though I am not lawless before God because I am under the law of Christ, that I might win them who are without law. Aramaic Bible in Plain English And to those who do not have The Written Law, I was as without The Law, while I am not without law to God, but in the law of The Messiah, that I may win those who are without The Written Law. NT Translations Anderson New Testamentto those who are without law, as without law, (not being myself without law to God, but under law to Christ,) that I might gain those who are without law: Godbey New Testament to those without law, I became as without law, not being without the law of God, but under the law of Christ, that I may gain those without law. Haweis New Testament to those who are without law, as without law (not as being without law to God, but under the law to Christ), that I might gain those who were without law. Mace New Testament to those who are without the law, as without that law, (not as being under no law to God, but as under the law to Christ) that I might gain those who are without the law. Weymouth New Testament to men without Law as if I were without Law--although I am not without Law in relation to God but am abiding in Christ's Law--in order to win those who are without Law. Worrell New Testament to those without law, as without law (not being without law to God, but under law to Christ), that I might gain those without law. Worsley New Testament and to those without the law as without the law, (not being without law to God, but under the law to Christ) that I might gain those who are without the law. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Paul the Servant to All…20To 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), to win those under the law. 21To those without the law I became like one without the law (though I am not outside the law of God but am under the law of Christ), to win those without the law. 22To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.… Cross References To those without the law Romans 2:12-14 All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law. / For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but it is the doers of the law who will be declared righteous. / Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. Romans 3:21-22 But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been revealed, as attested by the Law and the Prophets. / And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no distinction, Galatians 2:15-16 We who are Jews by birth and not Gentile “sinners” / know that a man is not justified by works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have believed in Christ Jesus, that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified. I became like one without the law Acts 17:22-23 Then Paul stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said, “Men of Athens, I see that in every way you are very religious. / For as I walked around and examined your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore what you worship as something unknown, I now proclaim to you. Acts 14:15-17 “Men, why are you doing this? We too are only men, human like you. We are bringing you good news that you should turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made heaven and earth and sea and everything in them. / In past generations, He let all nations go their own way. / Yet He has not left Himself without testimony to His goodness: He gives you rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling your hearts with food and gladness.” 1 Corinthians 10:25-27 Eat anything sold in the meat market without raising questions of conscience, / for, “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof.” / If an unbeliever invites you to a meal and you want to go, eat anything set before you without raising questions of conscience. (though I am not outside the law of God but am under the law of Christ), Galatians 6:2 Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. John 13:34 A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another. Romans 13:8-10 Be indebted to no one, except to one another in love. For he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. / The commandments “Do not commit adultery,” “Do not murder,” “Do not steal,” “Do not covet,” and any other commandments, are summed up in this one decree: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” / Love does no wrong to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. to win those without the law. 1 Corinthians 10:33 as I also try to please everyone in all I do. For I am not seeking my own good, but the good of many, that they may be saved. Romans 15:20-21 In this way I have aspired to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation. / Rather, as it is written: “Those who were not told about Him will see, and those who have not heard will understand.” Acts 13:46-48 Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: “It was necessary to speak the word of God to you first. But since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. / For this is what the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, to bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’” / When the Gentiles heard this, they rejoiced and glorified the word of the Lord, and all who were appointed for eternal life believed. Romans 2:14-15 Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. / So they show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts either accusing or defending them Romans 8:2 For in Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set you free from the law of sin and death. Galatians 5:18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. James 1:25 But the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom, and continues to do so—not being a forgetful hearer, but an effective doer—he will be blessed in what he does. Treasury of Scripture To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. them. Acts 15:28 For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; Acts 16:4 And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem. Acts 21:25 As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication. not. 1 Corinthians 7:19-22 Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God… Psalm 119:32 I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart. Matthew 5:17-20 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil… Jump to Previous Abiding Although Christ Christ's Free Gain God's Good Law News Order Outside Relation Subject WinJump to Next Abiding Although Christ Christ's Free Gain God's Good Law News Order Outside Relation Subject Win1 Corinthians 9 1. He shows his liberty;7. and that the minister ought to receive a living by the Gospel; 15. yet that himself has of his own accord abstained, 18. to be neither chargeable unto them, 22. nor offensive unto any, in matters indifferent. 24. Our life is like unto a race. To those without the law This phrase refers to Gentiles, who were not under the Mosaic Law given to Israel. In the first-century context, Gentiles were often seen as pagans or idolaters by the Jewish people. Paul, a Jew, is emphasizing his mission to reach those outside the Jewish faith. This reflects the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) where Jesus commands His followers to make disciples of all nations, indicating the inclusivity of the Gospel. I became like one without the law (though I am not outside the law of God but am under the law of Christ) to win those without the law Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul the ApostleThe author of 1 Corinthians, Paul is addressing the church in Corinth, explaining his approach to evangelism and his adaptability in reaching different groups of people. 2. The Corinthian Church A diverse and often divided early Christian community in Corinth, a major city in ancient Greece, known for its cultural and religious plurality. 3. Gentiles ("those without the law") Non-Jewish people who did not follow the Mosaic Law, representing a significant portion of Paul's missionary focus. 4. The Law of God Refers to the Mosaic Law given to the Israelites, which Paul acknowledges but distinguishes from the "law of Christ." 5. The Law of Christ A term used by Paul to describe the guiding principles of Christian life, centered on love and the teachings of Jesus. Teaching Points Adaptability in EvangelismPaul demonstrates the importance of cultural sensitivity and adaptability in sharing the Gospel. Christians are encouraged to meet people where they are, without compromising their own faith. Understanding the Law of Christ The "law of Christ" emphasizes love, grace, and the teachings of Jesus. Believers are called to live under this law, which transcends the old covenant's legalistic requirements. Balancing Freedom and Responsibility While Christians have freedom in Christ, they are still accountable to God's moral law. This balance is crucial in living a life that honors God and effectively witnesses to others. Winning Souls for Christ Paul's primary goal was to win souls for Christ. This mission should be central to every believer's life, motivating them to share the Gospel in diverse contexts. Living Out the Gospel The Gospel should be lived out in practical ways, demonstrating Christ's love and truth in everyday interactions, especially with those who do not know Him. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 9:21?2. How does 1 Corinthians 9:21 guide our interactions with non-believers today? 3. What does "under the law of Christ" mean in practical terms? 4. How can we balance freedom in Christ with obedience to God's law? 5. Compare 1 Corinthians 9:21 with Galatians 6:2 on the law of Christ. 6. How can we apply Paul's approach to evangelism in our daily lives? 7. What does "under the law of Christ" mean in 1 Corinthians 9:21? 8. How does 1 Corinthians 9:21 relate to Christian freedom and responsibility? 9. Why does Paul mention being "outside the law" in 1 Corinthians 9:21? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Corinthians 9? 11. What will happen to the righteous and the wicked? 12. What is the Law of Christ? 13. What does the Bible say about tithing while in debt? 14. In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul appeals to the Old Testament law (v.9) yet speaks of being under “Christ’s law” (v.21); how can skeptics be convinced there is no conflict between these two references? What Does 1 Corinthians 9:21 Mean To those without the lawPaul opens by naming the people group he is seeking: “To those without the law.” • In Scripture, that phrase points to Gentiles who never received Moses’ commands (Ephesians 2:12; Romans 2:14). • They lived apart from Israel’s covenant privileges and had no written code directing them to the one true God (Acts 14:16). • Paul’s heart beats for them because Christ’s commission reaches “to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). I became like one without the law “I became like one without the law” shows Paul’s deliberate, loving flexibility. • He set aside uniquely Jewish practices—dietary restrictions, ritual washings, and calendar observances—whenever those customs would create needless barriers (Acts 15:19–21; Galatians 2:3). • He conversed in their cultural language, quoting their poets and reasoning in their marketplaces (Acts 17:22-28). • Yet he never altered the gospel itself; only his manner adapted so Gentiles could hear without distraction (1 Corinthians 10:32-33). (though I am not outside the law of God but am under the law of Christ) Paul quickly guards against misunderstanding. • God’s moral law still binds him; liberty is not license (Matthew 5:17-19; Romans 8:3-4). • He now lives “under the law of Christ,” summed up in loving God and neighbor (John 13:34; Galatians 6:2). • Any cultural concession stops where God’s clear commands begin; holiness is never negotiable (1 Peter 1:15-16). to win those without the law The purpose behind every adaptation is crystal clear: “to win those without the law.” • Paul’s ambition is that Gentiles “turn from darkness to light” (Acts 26:18) and receive the righteousness revealed in the gospel (Romans 1:16). • He gladly relinquishes personal rights so others may gain eternal life (1 Corinthians 9:12; 10:33). • His strategy models the Savior who “came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10). summary Paul’s words paint a balance: cultural flexibility plus unwavering obedience. He moves freely among Gentiles, laying aside Jewish customs that might hinder them, yet he remains firmly within God’s moral boundaries, ruled by the law of Christ. All of it serves one overriding goal—bringing those outside the law into the saving embrace of Jesus. (21) To them that are without law--i.e., the heathen. St. Paul adapted himself to their habits and mode of thought when necessary. He quoted from their literature (Acts 17:28); he based an argument on the inscriptions on their altars (Acts 17:23); and he did not require them to adopt Jewish ceremonies (Galatians 2:9; Galatians 2:11). The parenthesis explains in what sense only St. Paul was "without" the Law, so as to prevent the possibility of this statement being used as a justification of lawlessness. As being one with Christ, he was indeed under the law of God as revealed in the person, work, and teaching of the Lord. (See Galatians 6:2.)Verse 21. - To them that are without law, as without law. In other words, I so far became to the heathen as a heathen (Romans 2:12), that I never wilfully insulted their beliefs (Acts 19:87) nor shocked their prejudices, but on the contrary, judged them with perfect forbearance (Acts 17:30) and treated them with invariable courtesy. St, Paul tried to look at every subject, so far as he could do so innocently, from 'their point of view (Acts 17.). He defended their gospel liberty, and had intercourse with Gentile converts on terms of perfect equality (Galatians 2:12). Not without law to God. Not even "without law" (anomos) Much less "opposed to law" (antiheroes), though free from it as a bondage (Galatians 2:19). The need for this qualification is shown by the fact that in the Clementine writings, in the spurious letter of Peter to James, St. Paul is surreptitiously calumniated as "the lawless one." Even the Gentiles were "not without law to God" (Romans 2:14, 15). So that St. Paul is here using language which base opponents might distort, but which the common sense of honest readers would prevent them from misinterpreting.Parallel Commentaries ... Greek To thoseτοῖς (tois) Article - Dative Masculine Plural Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. without [the] Law ἀνόμοις (anomois) Adjective - Dative Masculine Plural Strong's 459: Lawless, wicked, without law. (by implication, a Gentile), or (positively) wicked. [I became like one] ὡς (hōs) Adverb Strong's 5613: Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner. without [the] Law ἄνομος (anomos) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 459: Lawless, wicked, without law. (by implication, a Gentile), or (positively) wicked. ([though I] am ὢν (ōn) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. not μὴ (mē) Adverb Strong's 3361: Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether. outside [the] law ἄνομος (anomos) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 459: Lawless, wicked, without law. (by implication, a Gentile), or (positively) wicked. of God Θεοῦ (Theou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. but [am] ἀλλ’ (all’) Conjunction Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise. under [the] law ἔννομος (ennomos) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 1772: (a) legal, statutory, duly constituted, (b) under the law, obedient to the law. From en and nomos; legal, or subject to. of Christ), Χριστοῦ (Christou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular Strong's 5547: Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus. to ἵνα (hina) Conjunction Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that. win κερδάνω (kerdanō) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Singular Strong's 2770: To gain, acquire, win (over), avoid loss. From kerdos; to gain. those τοὺς (tous) Article - Accusative Masculine Plural Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. without [the] Law. ἀνόμους (anomous) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural Strong's 459: Lawless, wicked, without law. (by implication, a Gentile), or (positively) wicked. Links 1 Corinthians 9:21 NIV1 Corinthians 9:21 NLT 1 Corinthians 9:21 ESV 1 Corinthians 9:21 NASB 1 Corinthians 9:21 KJV 1 Corinthians 9:21 BibleApps.com 1 Corinthians 9:21 Biblia Paralela 1 Corinthians 9:21 Chinese Bible 1 Corinthians 9:21 French Bible 1 Corinthians 9:21 Catholic Bible NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 9:21 To those who are without law as (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor) |
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