1 Corinthians 9: Gospel Driven Cultural Chameleon

Paul has been teaching about the importance of putting love before the exercise of our personal freedom in grey issues. In this chapter He continues this theme with a very practical personal example. Despite the fact that there are at least 5 reasons why he is entitled to get financially supported for the ministry he is performing, Paul has chosen not to take any money but instead support himself by working. His motivation is that He can present the Gospel free of charge. In the same way He takes the principle of accommodating the weak consciences of other christians (mentioned in the last chapter) to the next level, by extending it to unbelievers as well. He is willing to adapt to the culture in which he lives in whatever way necessary to present the Gospel effectively. Like a chameleon he knows what shade and colour blends he needs to get alongside people to tell them about Jesus. However he doesn’t fall off the branch by bending over backwards to accommodate the worldviews and morals of his hearers. He is theologically conservative and culturally liberal for the Gospel.