In 1 Cor. 9 we see the Apostle Paul in the ministry of the gospel. It was committed to him, and he was devoted to the Lord and to pleasing Him in His service. He made himself the servant of all, that he might gain the more.
When he spoke to Jews, he put himself into their place to make it plain to them that they were under the curse of law, and guilty of the death of Christ. He had been the same once, but was now delivered.
To the Gentiles, he showed them their guilt as away from God, without hope. He suited himself to those he spoke to, and this our blessed Lord also did perfectly. His all-seeing eye knew what was in their hearts. The woman at the well in John 4, the Pharisee and the woman in Luke 7, the woman and her accusers in John 8 and the Pharisees and lawyers in Luke 11, all felt that God was speaking to them. On the other hand, making ourselves all things to all men does not mean that we should go with them to their sources of entertainment. We need to walk in wisdom toward all and so gain them for Christ.
Paul told of his conversion in Acts 22 to the Jews to meet their condition, and then in Acts 26 to bring the gospel before the Gentile king and judge. He wanted them also to share the blessing that he had received.
With hearts lifted up to the Lord for guidance, may we in our little measure walk in the same path.
J. T. Armet