1 Corinthians 9:20 - Exposition

Unto the Jews I became as a Jew. When, for instance, he circumcised Timothy ( Acts 12:3 ) and probably Titus also ; and he was continuing this principle of action when he took the vow of the Nazarite ( Acts 21:21-26 ), and called himself "a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees" ( Acts 23:6 ). To them that are under the Law. That is, not only to Jews, but even to the most rigorous legalists among the Jews. It should be carefully observed that St. Paul is here describing the innocent concessions and compliances which arise from the harmless and generous condescension of a loving spirit. He never sank into the fear of man, which made Peter at Antioch unfaithful to his real principles. He did not allow men to form from his conduct any mistaken inference as to his essential views. He waived his personal predilections in matters of indifference which only affected "the infinitely little."