sisted the Judaizers, in order that the truth of the gospel might remain with them, Gal. 2, 5.
22. To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak : I am made all things to all (men), that I might by all means save some.
By the weak many understand the Jews and Gentiles con- sidered under another aspect, i. e. as destitute of the power to comprehend and appreciate the gospel. The only reason for this interpretation is the assumption that to gain in this con- nection must mean to convert, or make Christians of, and therefore, those to be gained must be those who were not Christians. But the word means merely to win ovei\ to bring to proper views, and therefore may be used in reference to weak and superstitious behevers as well as of unconverted Jews and Gentiles. As in the preceding chapter the weak mean weak Christians, men who were not clear and decided in their views, and as the very design of the whole discussion was to induce the more enUghtened Corinthian Christians to accommodate themselves to those weaker brethren, it is alto- gether more natural to understand it in the same way here. Paul holds himself up as an example. To the weak he became as weak ; he accommodated himself to their prejudices that he might win them over to better views. And he wished the Corinthians to do the same. I am made all things to all men. This generalizes all that had been said. It was not to this or that class of men, that he was thus conciliatory, but to all classes, and as to aU matters of indifference ; that he might at all events (TravroDs) save some.
23. And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with (you).
This I do / or, according to the reading now generally adopted (Travra instead of rovro)^ I do all things ; * my whole course of action, not merely in thus accommodating myself to the prejudices of others, but in every thing else, is regulated for the promotion of the gospel.' This gives a better sense ; for to say. This Ido^ would be only to repeat what is included in the preceding verse. Paul lived for the gospel. He did all things for it. That I may he a jjoint-imrtaker thereof^ i. e. a partaker with others ; not, with you^ as there is nothing to