For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law; to the weak 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.
It is important to recognize that Paul begins this section by declaring his willingness to be a servant to all; not necessarily like all. For example, he did not become a foul-mouthed drunkard in order to build a relationship with bar-hoppers.
He was, however, setting cultural differences to one-side so he could concentrate on the real issue. Jesus of Nazareth was the Son of God, whose death by crucifixion satisfied Yahweh's demand for justice and whose resurrection proved its completeness.
Readings:
Morning Psalm 126, Noon Psalm 119:105-112 Evening Psalm 76
