1 Corinthians 9:19

Free. See on v. 1. Paul returns to his theme of ch. 8:9-13, that he will not permit his liberty to become a stumbling block to them that are weak. He proceeds to give further examples of forgoing his rights for the sake of others.

Made myself servant. Literally, “enslaved myself.” Paul was willing to labor for others, as a slave does without reward or pay, to advance their welfare. Like a slave, wishing to please his master, or because he is forced to do so, he was willing to comply with the habits, customs, and opinions of others as far as possible, without compromising principle. God’s ministers must be ready at all times to adapt themselves and their ministry to the nature of those for whom they labor (see 2T 673).

Gain the more. All things in Paul’s life were made subject to his great objective of preaching the gospel and winning souls for Christ. He was prepared to be of no account if by so doing some might be drawn to the Lord (see Rom. 9:3). The apostle’s laudable ambition was that he should be used by the Holy Spirit to lead the greatest number possible to accept salvation from sin through Christ. This is the ambition of every true minister of the gospel.