I Corinthians VII
Just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved. (I Corinthians 10:31 ESV)
People Pleaser
That sounds like an insult. We are not supposed to act with a willingness or interest to please others. A people pleaser is seen as a weak personality. An untrustworthy personality. An immature personality.
But Paul claims to be a people pleaser. Not because he is weak, untrustworthy, or immature.
But rather because he uses that method to spread the gospel.
Elsewhere, he writes that he is Greek to the Greeks, and a Jew to the Jews.
That sounds insincere to modern ears.
But what Paul did was put aside his own so-called rights of self-expression, and instead, acted in ways that let him have conversations that led to Jesus.
He pleased others, so they would listen to Jesus.
He pleased others, not because he thought he was insignificant, but because Paul knew that Jesus was more important.
He pleased people to please Jesus.