“To the 1WEAK I BECAME AS WEAK, that I might win the weak. I have become ALL THINGS TO ALL MEN, THAT I MIGHT BY ALL MEANS SAVE SOME. Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be partaker of it with you.” (1 Corin. 9:22-23) 1asthenēs: immaturity or spiritual weakness. Paul has been describing how he limits his personal freedom in order to win more people to Jesus. He has become as a Jew and law-follower to win some of them. He has become as one who is outside of the law, a Gentile, to win some of them. Now he writes that he has become weak to win the weak. He is not talking about weakness physically weakness. He is using a word that could be translated IMMATURE.
A immature person needs a little extra attention or help to do things others will do independently. They may be less physically coordinated than others. Becoming easily upset, overwhelmed or have trouble calming themselves down when things don’t go their way. Paul tells IMMATURE CHRISTIANS in Corinth, “When one of you has a dispute with another believer, HOW DARE YOU FILE A LAWSUIT and ASK A SECULAR COURT to decide the matter instead of taking it TO OTHER BELIEVERS! Don’t you realize that someday we believers will judge the world? And since you are going to judge the world, can’t you decide even these little things among yourselves? Don’t you realize that we will JUDGE ANGELS? So you should surely be able to resolve ordinary disputes in this life.” (1 Corin. 6:1-3)
Paul goes on to say to these immature Christians, “I am saying this to SHAME YOU. Isn’t there anyone in all the church who is wise enough to decide these issues? But instead, one believer sues another—RIGHT IN FRONT OF UNBELIEVERS!” (1 Corin. 6:5-6) Remember the NEW COMMANDMENT Jesus gave us,“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; AS I HAVE LOVED YOU, that you also love one another.” (John 13:34)
-Bill Stockham