1 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.
1 Corinthians 10:33
Paul’s closing note in this subsection expresses a missional posture: “not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.” He models generous, outward-focused living. The context is a church wrestling with freedom, conscience, and public witness. The aim is not simply to avoid sin but to actively pursue the salvation of others. This is a practical expression of the Great Commission in a local setting: let your choices contribute to others’ openness to the gospel.
This verse emphasizes mission and self-sacrificial love as defining marks of the Christian life. It aligns personal conduct with the church’s broader evangelistic purpose. Theologically, it reflects the kenosis of Christ—emptying himself for others—and calls believers to a similar posture: self-forgetfulness for the sake of others’ salvation.
Practical examples: choosing to join in a social activity that might be uncomfortable for new believers to reach them with the gospel; tailoring your lifestyle to reduce barriers to faith; and prioritizing relationships over personal preferences when sharing the gospel. It’s about asking, “How can my freedom help bring others to Christ?”
Cross-References: 1 Corinthians 9:19-23; Romans 15:2; 1 John 4:11; Philippians 2:3-4