1 Corinthians 7:20
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Corinthians 7:20
20 Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called.
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 7 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of faith, fellowship, prayer. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 55 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The church existed in a prosperous, cosmopolitan, morally permissive Roman colony.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-40: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 Corinthians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 Corinthians 7:20
20 Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called.
Analysis
Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called—Paul repeats the principle of verse 17, using klésis (κλήσις, "calling") twice. The verb menétō (μενέτω, "let him remain") commands contentment with one's circumstances at conversion. This does not forbid all change but warns against believing spiritual status requires external transformation.
The term klésis can mean both God's effectual calling to salvation and the circumstances/station in which that calling occurs. Paul uses it in both senses here: remain in the life-situation where God called you to salvation. This principle addresses restless Corinthians who thought conversion required changing marriage status, ethnicity, or social position.
Paul's teaching promotes social stability and counters revolutionary impulses that might accompany the gospel's radical message of equality in Christ (Galatians 3:28). While the gospel relativizes social distinctions, it does not require immediate social revolution. Believers serve God faithfully within existing structures while the gospel gradually transforms culture.
Historical Context
New converts sometimes felt their old life was wholly invalid and sought dramatic changes—divorcing spouses, abandoning trades, rejecting cultural identity. Paul's emphasis on "remain as called" provided stability for early Christian communities while affirming that spiritual transformation transcends external circumstances.
Reflection
- How does Paul's call to "remain" balance contentment with legitimate desires for improvement or change?
- In what ways might new believers today wrongly think they must change external circumstances to serve God?
- How does "remain as called" relate to the gospel's message of radical spiritual transformation?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: 1 Corinthians 7:17, Proverbs 27:8, 1 Thessalonians 4:11, 2 Thessalonians 3:12