I Corinthians 10:33

Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved (KJV)

Then: Final goal or objective. When men are saved, when they come to know Christ, the glory and profit goes not to Paul, but to the Lord. The "Even as" part of the verse is a direction for Corinthians to do what Paul does.

Now: Baker (p. 154) adds a little more information about teaching Christ by words and deeds. Those with set-in-stone opinions must back off from expectations and requirements that all other believers behave accordingly. That approach leads to unseemly dissensions, arguments, and unrest which repel rather than attract non-believers to accept Christ as Savior. Following Paul and Christ doesn't necessarily equal following the mandates of contemporary interpreters. It does mean studying Christ, asking his heart to be your heart and giving him glory. It means "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself." These are the words of a lawyer speaking to Jesus who subsequently affirmed the statement.

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

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