1 Corinthians 9:22

To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some (KJV)

Then: This is the third in the series of ways which Paul would turn from personal freedom and become a servant (slave) for Christ. In it he reiterates his purpose - salvation of the souls of at least some. His listeners remember the earlier teaching about not eating meat offered to idols for the sake of those with weak consciences. Baker (p.136), however, says that even though the Corinthians would remember Paul's previous discussion, here weakness refers to those who still do not know Christ. The verse is a summary statement about those, Jews and Gentiles, who still have roadblocks to knowing the Lord.

Now: Paul puts today's Christians to shame with his Type A personality conviction, intent, and actions. We are told to work and we may want to, but we do not reach forward to the mark of that high calling.

Extra source: Cornerstone Biblical Commentary 1Corinthians (William Baker), 2 Corinthians (Ralph Martin & Carl Toney), ed. by Philip Comfort. Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, c2006.