Bible Strands
1 Corinthians 9:21
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 Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian church while explaining his adaptive missionary method, placing this statement between his descriptions of becoming like Jews and the weak to reach them. He frames the verse as a deliberate tactical choice within a broader pattern of contextual flexibility.
The words — The Greek term ἄνομος (anomos) appears four times in this verse, marking both the target audience outside the Mosaic code and Paul’s own functional posture relative to divine authority. It is coupled with ὡς (hōs), which signals a practical resemblance rather than a theological identity.
The thread — The text’s distinction between operating outside the written code and remaining bound to Christ’s authority runs directly into Galatians 3:2 and the judgment framework of Romans 2:12 and Romans 2:14. These passages collectively trace the boundary between cultural accommodation and covenantal accountability.
Why it lands — The text states that voluntary cultural adaptation does not nullify personal submission to Christ’s authority, and it requires readers to separate methodological flexibility from doctrinal compromise. It demands a clear-eyed evaluation of whether one’s practices actually serve the stated goal of reaching a specific group.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
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.
Cross-references
- Romans 2:12 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.
- Romans 2:14 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.
- Galatians 3:2 I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law, or by hearing with faith?
- Matthew 5:17 Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them.
- 1 Corinthians 7:19 Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God’s commandments is what counts.
- Galatians 5:13 For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love.
- Titus 2:2 Older men are to be temperate, dignified, self-controlled, and sound in faith, love, and perseverance.
- Psalms 119:32 I run in the path of Your commandments, for You will enlarge my heart.
- Acts 16:4 As they went from town to town, they delivered the decisions handed down by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem for the people to obey.
- Romans 7:22 For in my inner being I delight in God’s law.