How did Paul say he treated people who were spiritually weak?
Paul said he understood the weakness of those who were spiritually weak. He did not come as a spiritual giant, ridiculing or criticizing them. Instead, regardless of their status in life, he identified with them and tried to be on equal footing, all for the sake of the Gospel.
Les explains that Paul said whenever he came to people who were spiritually weak, he understood their weakness. He did not come in like some spiritual giant, coming down on them, ridiculing or criticizing them. He understood where they were. Regardless of what their status in life, Paul would identify and try to be on an equal with them. Verse 23 repeats that it was all for the sake of the Gospel; that was all the man had on his heart, to see lost people saved. Les connects this to the idea of mission work: you have to step into the very same mold that those people are that you're trying to reach, and it began with Paul. He illustrates this with a missionary friend who ate a big black beetle to gain the children in Indonesia, showing that identifying with people is necessary to reach them.