"All things"
To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. (1 Corinthians 9:22 ESV)
Paul here is talking about how to reach people with the gospel. He is describing his mindset when it comes to contextualizing the gospel.
This verse has been taken out of context frequently. Mostly it's been in the name of doing whatever it takes to reach people who don't know Jesus. But this must include staying within Biblical teaching. This verse has also been used as a criticism for contextualization. That Paul really didn't mean what he said. He really didn't mean "all things."
Paul here is saying that he is willing to adapt. He is willing to change his approach to bring more people to Jesus. If being weak will bring weak people to Jesus then he will be weak.
What does this look like for us?
When it comes to contextualization we must ask who it is we are trying to reach & how can we change to reach them? Paul's philosophy was not how can they change but how can he change to reach people for Jesus.
That's a big difference.
How can we eliminate barriers to the gospel to bring the gospel to peoples around the world? How can we change? How can we contextualize?
Who needs Jesus that unless we change, will not come to know him?
No comments:
Post a Comment