Paul, in his writings, demonstrates a profound situational awareness and a commitment to avoiding offense. In I Corinthians 9:19, he declares that he has become all things to all men, meaning he meets people where they are with a purposeful intent to share the opportunity of God's way. His approach is rooted in humility, as he makes himself a servant to all, choosing to adapt his actions to the needs of others. Paul's care for the brethren is evident in his decision to refrain from actions that might cause offense, even when he has the right to do otherwise. He emphasizes humility by advising against eating food that might offend someone at the table, prioritizing their conscience over personal preference. Through his pattern of self-denial, Paul actively works to avoid hindering or offending others, showcasing a deliberate effort to maintain harmony and love in his relationships.

In striving to live as ambassadors for the coming Kingdom of God, we must learn to interface with the diverse cultures and peoples of this world without being assimilated into its ways. The apostle Paul serves as a profound example of this diplomatic skill, demonstrating how to be all things to all men while remaining steadfast in allegiance to God's law. He found common ground with others, sharing basic human characteristics as progeny of Adam and Eve, created in the image of God, and treated every individual as a potential spiritual sibling. Paul admonished us in Philippians 2:3 to esteem others better than ourselves, following the example of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who humbled Himself for all mankind. Paul never compromised God's law, rejected situation ethics, or embraced syncretism. He guarded core beliefs as non-negotiable, yet showed flexibility on marginal issues like food or clothing to avoid offense, as seen in Romans 14 and I Corinthians 6:12. His approach was to magnify agreements and minimize disagreements, making peace a priority. He studied the cultures he engaged with, drawing on shared concepts to build understanding, whether with Greeks, barbarians, or Jews, fulfilling his obligation to all. As we walk among the varied clienteles of this world, we must seek common interests based on aspects of God's law, recognizing that even those not yet called may honor portions of it and be blessed thereby. We are to live peaceably with all men, as Paul urged in Romans 12:18, acknowledging that while some variables are beyond our control, we must strive for precision in our interactions. In this diplomatic endeavor, we emulate Paul's example, fostering peace and connection without sacrificing the truth of God's commands.

In I Corinthians 9:19-22, Paul expresses his approach of becoming all things to all men, striving to save some by all means. His intent was not to convert or open minds to the reality of God, but to protect or improve human connections with those he encountered. He practiced self-denial to avoid unnecessary offense, seeking a more profitable relationship with others, not to bring about their spiritual salvation, which only God can initiate. By limiting himself for the sake of not turning people away, Paul aimed to gain a positive rapport, ensuring that his preaching of the truth might stir repentance in some area or provide a form of deliverance from sin. This saving was not eternal or justifying, but a shadow of protection or safety, helping individuals avoid or overcome sin for a safer trajectory in life. Without compromising God's standards, Paul kept the door open to preach, potentially aiding others in small ways, even if God was not calling them to a relationship with Him.

Paul, in his journeys from town to town, adapted to the cultures of the people he encountered, striving to blend in with them to gain their trust. His purpose was to build relationships so that they would listen fairly to the gospel he preached. By speaking in ways they could understand, not just in their language but also through their cultural perspectives, he smoothed the path for God to work among them. Through this adjustment of his message, Paul became a powerful witness of God's way of life to diverse cultures, opening dialogue and potentially saving them from error by making the gospel more relatable and easier to embrace.

The book of John was written to present the truth about Jesus Christ in a way that Gentile peoples could relate to without needing a background in Hebrew thought. By the time of its writing, around 95 to 100 AD, the church had become predominantly Gentile due to the decline of Jewish influence after the destruction of the Temple in 70 AD. Most new members came from a Hellenistic background, unfamiliar with Israelitish history and thought modes. John, equipped with both Jewish roots and familiarity with Hellenistic thinking from his time in Ephesus, was uniquely fitted to bridge this gap. He adapted the gospel to meet the intellectual and cultural parameters of these Gentiles, ensuring they did not have to abandon their heritage to understand the message. John's approach mirrors the principle of presenting the gospel in a way that is easily grasped by the audience. He used concepts familiar to the Greeks, such as the logos, which both Jews and Greeks understood as the Word or reason, to unlock the gospel message. By starting with this common ground, John presented Jesus as the incarnate mind of God, the reality in a world of shadows. His detailed accounts, long discourses, and emphasis on signs rather than mere acts of compassion were tailored to resonate with Greek thought, showing God breaking into human affairs and being actively involved in every aspect of life. Through this method, John ensured that the message of Jesus Christ was accessible and relevant to a Gentile audience, fulfilling a critical need in the evolving church.