1 Corinthians 9:21

To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.

Cross-reference

In 1 Cor 7:19-22, Paul teaches that keeping God's commands matters, not status—echoing being under Christ's law, where freedom means serving Christ.

In Matthew 5:17-20, Jesus says he fulfills the law, not abolishes it—this grounds Paul's concept of being under Christ's law as the law's fulfillment.

In Hebrews 8:10, the new covenant writes God's laws on hearts, fulfilling what Paul calls being under Christ's law.

1 Thessalonians 4:2 Related theme

In 1 Thessalonians 4:2, Paul emphasizes his instructions come from the Lord Jesus' authority, tying directly to being under Christ's law.

Galatians 5:14 says the whole law is fulfilled in loving your neighbor—this is the content of Christ's law that Paul embraces.

Galatians 5:13 calls believers to use freedom to serve one another through love—exactly the principle Paul applies by becoming all things to win people.

Galatians 2:12–14 Historical context

Galatians 2:12-14 recounts Paul rebuking Peter for hypocrisy about eating with Gentiles, directly applying the principle of not requiring law compliance.

Galatians 2:4 Historical context

Galatians 2:4 mentions false brothers trying to impose law, underscoring the threat to Paul's freedom that he exercises in becoming as outside the law.

Galatians 2:3 Historical context

Galatians 2:3 gives a concrete example: Titus, a Greek, was not forced to be circumcised, illustrating Paul's freedom from the law for Gentiles.

Romans 13:8-10 declares that love fulfills the law—this identifies Christ's law as the law of love, which Paul voluntarily follows.

Romans 8:4 Allusion

Romans 8:4 says the law's requirement is fulfilled in those who walk by the Spirit—this clarifies that Christ's law enables fulfillment of God's righteous standard.

Romans 7:25 Parallel

In Romans 7:25, Paul serves God's law with his mind through Christ—directly aligning with his claim of being under God's law through Christ's law.

Acts 21:25 Historical context

Acts 21:25 reiterates the council's letter to Gentiles about abstaining from certain things, aligning with Paul's principle of being without law for them.

Acts 16:4 Historical context

Acts 16:4 shows Paul delivering those council decrees, confirming his practice of not imposing the law on Gentiles.

Acts 15:28 Historical context

Acts 15:28 records the Jerusalem council's decree that Gentile believers are not burdened with the Mosaic law, supporting Paul's freedom to become as one outside the law.

Romans 6:15 Parallel

Romans 6:15 asks about sin under grace—Paul's not under law but under Christ's law aligns with being under grace, both requiring holy living.

Galatians 6:2 defines the law of Christ as bearing burdens—Paul's being under Christ's law means fulfilling this command.

Romans 3:19 Contrast

Romans 3:19 defines those under the law as accountable—Paul clarifies he is not under that law but under Christ's law.

Romans 7:22 Parallel

Romans 7:22 shows Paul delighting in God's law inwardly—similar to his desire to obey God's law, but now under Christ's law rather than the Mosaic law.

Romans 3:31 Parallel

Romans 3:31 affirms faith upholds the law—Paul's under Christ's law similarly does not nullify but fulfills God's law.

In 2 Chronicles 15:3, Israel was without the law, contrasting with Paul who is under Christ's law.

Romans 8:7 Related theme

Romans 8:7 says flesh cannot submit to God's law—Paul's submission under Christ's law implies Spirit-enabled obedience.