The Second Mile

I Cor. 9:19-23

 

According to the lectionary, we have just read a passage from Paul’s first letter to the believers of Corinth. It is interesting that it coincides with the day of our Annual Membership Meeting.

 

The words of Paul do not let us sit comfortably on the church pews. He is a vision-minded man. He summarizes his vision in the following words: “I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some” (vs. 22).

Two weeks ago, we meditated on the issue of the ‘stumbling block’ or scandalos. Paul advised the believers to be careful not to cause weaker members to stumble in their faith due to secondary issues such as eating or not eating meat. However, he asked them not to negotiate their faith in Christ at any cost even if it is offensive to some. We cannot compromise the Cross or the Resurrection of our Lord.

 

Today we go on learning more about the Christian’s lifestyle. If believing in Christ is the first mile, then believers are invited to walk with Him the second mile.

 

Paul, the educated, proud “Hebrew of Hebrews” is ready to say: “Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible” (vs. 19).

 

Everyone. Who is everyone?

a.       “Jews” (vs. 20a)- Paul was a Jew anyway

b.      “Those under the law” (vs. 20b)- Gentile God-fearers and proselytes to Judaism as well as ethnic Jews 1

c.       “Those not having the law” (vs. 21) – Gentiles apart form any Jewish influence2

d.      “The week” (vs. 22)- most likely those mentioned in Chapter 8, the new believers, who were still not well rooted in faith.

 

Paul “makes himself a slave to everyone” only for one reason: “to win as many as possible” (vs. 19).

 

Paul was careful in identifying the groups of people. He does not compromise his walk Christ. He does not say “I became a thief with the thief” but he is ready to sacrifice his comfort or give up his freedom in order to win more to Christ.

 

Let us go out of our inner circles and interact with people who are not like us. This is going the second mile.

 

John MacArthur comments on these verses: “Within the bounds of God’s Word, he would not offend the Jew, Gentile, or those weak in understanding. Not changing Scripture or compromising the truth, he would condescend in ways that could lead to salvation.”3

As I mentioned before, the Church is a BIG FAMILY. We welcome new people. Furthermore, we should be ready to invite new individuals, who are not necessary like us.

 

When I hear an Armenian from Armenia for example, I make an effort to listen more carefully, because I am not used to Eastern Armenian. I do not have the freedom to exclude him/her. Paul is challenging the church saying, “Go the second mile, even be like other to win them for Christ.” In one word, meet the people where they are not where you are.

 

To be continued in English.

 

 

1. Blomberg, Craig. “Original Meaning” In NIV application Commentary, New Testament: 1 Corinthians. By Craig Blomberg, 183-184. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1994

2. ibid

3. John MacArthur. The MacArthur Study Bible, p1742.Word Publishing, 1997