1 Corinthians 9

We are all like Paul, boasting to the Corinthian church about being all things to all people.

Paul knew something about being an obnoxious weirdo.

Wright tells a great story. Would the apostle recognize it?

Can Paul literally be any identity?

In the midst of ethical and doctrinal problems, says Paul, what is most important is to love all people.

Paul writes elsewhere that we are each given different gifts for ministry. Here he says that he, at least, does it all.

Several decades ago, when I was filling out my application for seminary admission, I came to a question that asked me to provide biblical justification for my calling. I knew I wanted to attend seminary, but found it difficult to state why. Then I remembered my Wesley Foundation pastor preaching on 1 Corinthians 9:16b, and I wrote, “Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel.” The text expressed the urgency I felt and even a tinge of divine necessity—although I think I knew even then that I was going a bit too far.