To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to {q} all men, that I might by all means save some.

(q) In matters that are indifferent, which may be done or not done with a good conscience. It is as if he said, I accommodated all customs and manners, that by all means I might save some.

People's New Testament

9:22 To the weak became I as weak. Adapted himself to their weakness as he had directed the strong (1Co 4:10) at Corinth to do.

I am made all things to all men, etc. While steadfastly keeping Christ's law he adapted himself to all men in the hope of gaining them.

Wesley's Notes

9:22 I became as weak - As if I had been scrupulous too. I became all things to all men - Accommodating myself to all, so far as I could consistent with truth and sincerity.

Scofield Reference Notes

Margin save

See Scofield Note: "Rom 1:16".

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

22. gain the weak-that is, establish, instead of being a stumbling-block to inexperienced Christians (1Co 8:7) Ro 14:1, "Weak in the faith." Alford thinks the "weak" are not Christians at all, for these have been already "won"; but those outside the Church, who are yet "without strength" to believe (Ro 5:6). But when "weak" Christians are by the condescending love of stronger brethren kept from falling from faith, they are well said to be "gained" or won.

by all means . some-The gain of even "some" is worth the expenditure of "all means." He conformed himself to the feelings of each in the several classes, that out of them all he might gain some.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

9:15-23 It is the glory of a minister to deny himself, that he may serve Christ and save souls. But when a minister gives up his right for the sake of the gospel, he does more than his charge and office demands. By preaching the gospel, freely, the apostle showed that he acted from principles of zeal and love, and thus enjoyed much comfort and hope in his soul. And though he looked on the ceremonial law as a yoke taken off by Christ, yet he submitted to it, that he might work upon the Jews, do away their prejudices, prevail with them to hear the gospel, and win them over to Christ. Though he would transgress no laws of Christ, to please any man, yet he would accommodate himself to all men, where he might do it lawfully, to gain some. Doing good was the study and business of his life; and, that he might reach this end, he did not stand on privileges. We must carefully watch against extremes, and against relying on any thing but trust in Christ alone. We must not allow errors or faults, so as to hurt others, or disgrace the gospel.