How does 1 Corinthians 9:23 connect with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20? Paul’s Gospel-Driven Mindset “I do all this for the sake of the gospel, so that I may share in its blessings.” —1 Corinthians 9:23 • Paul’s “all this” (v. 22: becoming “all things to all men”) reveals a life wholly oriented toward gospel advancement. • He is not merely preaching; he is arranging every preference, right, and resource around the goal of others hearing about Christ. • The phrase “for the sake of the gospel” echoes the singular, overarching mission Jesus gave. Paul’s motive and method are inseparable from the Commission Christ issued. Connection to the Great Commission “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” —Matthew 28:19–20 1. Same Purpose – Jesus: make disciples of all nations. – Paul: reach Jews, Greeks, weak, strong—“all.” – Both passages spotlight a universal scope: nobody is outside the target audience. 2. Same Action Orientation – Jesus commands active movement (“go… make… baptizing… teaching”). – Paul actively adapts (“I became… I do…”) so that movement toward unreached people actually happens. 3. Same Gospel Content – Jesus: teach everything He commanded. – Paul: “the gospel,” a shorthand for Christ’s death, burial, resurrection, and teachings (1 Corinthians 15:1–4). – Both hinge on delivering the full, unaltered message. 4. Same Goal of Obedient Discipleship – Jesus wants disciples who “observe all that I have commanded.” – Paul’s aim: that hearers not only believe but also join him in the gospel’s “blessings,” i.e., its obedience-fueled life (Romans 1:5). Supporting Passages That Tie It Together • Acts 1:8 — power to be witnesses “to the ends of the earth”: links directly to “all nations” and to Paul’s Gentile focus. • 2 Timothy 2:10 — “I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation…” mirrors 1 Corinthians 9:23’s sacrificial language. • Mark 16:15 — “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” Paul is living this command in real time. • Romans 10:14–15 — the necessity of sent preachers reinforces why Paul adjusts himself culturally to remove barriers. Practical Takeaways • Gospel-first living: Personal freedoms, cultural preferences, and comfort zones become secondary when souls are at stake. • Disciple-making mindset: Evangelism and teaching belong together; conversion leads into lifelong obedience. • Cultural flexibility, doctrinal fidelity: Adapt methods to reach people (Paul), never the message itself (Galatians 1:8). • Shared blessing: Engaging in the Great Commission isn’t mere duty; it deepens our own experience of the gospel’s joy (Philippians 1:4–5). Summary 1 Corinthians 9:23 and Matthew 28:19–20 converge on the same divine mandate: sacrifice whatever is necessary so every person can hear, believe, and obey the good news of Jesus Christ. |
    |