To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
Gain the weak - i:e., establish, instead of being a stumblingblock to them (1 Corinthians 8:7; Romans 14:1). Alford thinks the "weak" are not Christians at all, for these have been already 'won.' But when "weak" Christians are by the love of stronger brethren kept from falling, they are rightly said to be 'gained.'
All things to all men - literally, 'the all things to the all men;' all that is required to all the various classes. Origen reads as the English version; but 'Aleph (') A B C Delta G omit 'the' before "all things." By all means ... some. The gain of even "some" is worth the expenditure of "all means." He conformed to the feelings of the several classes, that out of them all he might gain some.