Meaning of 1 Corinthians 7:20

This verse, 1 Corinthians 7:20, is a foundational principle within Paul's extensive discussion on marriage, singleness, and the practical implications of Christian life in a world often characterized by social stratification and differing statuses. Paul is not advocating for passive resignation or an endorsement of unjust social structures. Rather, he is emphasizing the transformative power of God's call, which transcends one's earthly circumstances. The core message is that one's spiritual identity and relationship with God are paramount, and this new identity should be lived out from within the existing context of their life, rather than immediately seeking to alter external conditions. The focus is on internal transformation and faithfulness to God's call, irrespective of one's prior social, economic, or marital status.

Context and Background

The Corinthian church was a diverse community, composed of individuals from various social strata, including slaves and free persons, as well as those who were married and single. The Apostle Paul addresses a series of questions and concerns raised by the Corinthians regarding these matters, particularly in chapter 7. There seems to have been some anxiety and perhaps even a desire among some new converts to drastically alter their life circumstances, believing that their new faith demanded a complete repudiation of their former lives or social positions. Paul's response is pastoral and pragmatic, aiming to ground them in the reality of God's grace and the spiritual significance of their present calling.

Key Themes and Messages

• The Sanctifying Power of God's Call: The central theme is that God's call to salvation is not a call to immediate social upheaval but a call to live faithfully within one's present situation. The calling of God sanctifies the existing circumstances.
• Focus on Spiritual Identity: The verse redirects the believer's focus from their external status to their internal spiritual identity as a child of God. This new identity is the true reality, and it is to be lived out in all of life.
• Contentment and Stability: By remaining in one's calling, believers are encouraged toward contentment and stability, avoiding the potential chaos and distress that could arise from hasty and ill-considered changes based on a misunderstanding of Christian liberty.
• Discernment of God's Will: While not explicitly stated, the verse implies a need for discernment. God's call often involves working through and transforming existing realities, rather than demanding an immediate abandonment of them.

Spiritual Significance and Application

The spiritual significance lies in understanding that God's grace does not erase our past or our present circumstances but redeems and sanctifies them. For the Christian, their "situation" is no longer defined by their social standing, marital status, or profession alone, but by their identity in Christ. This calls for a mature faith that seeks to honor God in whatever context they find themselves. Practically, this means that a slave does not need to feel compelled to escape slavery immediately upon conversion, nor a married person to seek divorce, if their existing situation allows them to live faithfully for God. The emphasis is on living out the calling of God from where they are.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This teaching aligns with the broader biblical narrative of God working through ordinary people in their everyday lives. The Old Testament prophets and the Gospels often depict individuals encountering God and receiving their divine commission while engaged in their usual occupations (e.g., Moses at the burning bush, the disciples by the Sea of Galilee). Furthermore, the New Testament consistently emphasizes that faith is to be lived out in practical ways within the existing social fabric, as seen in passages like Ephesians 6:5-9, which addresses slaves and masters. The concept of being "in Christ" means that our ultimate identity and belonging are in the heavenly realm, which then informs how we live in the earthly realm.

Analogies

One analogy is that of a skilled craftsman who receives a new set of high-quality tools. Instead of immediately dismantling their workshop and rebuilding it from scratch, they would integrate the new tools into their existing workspace to improve their craft. Similarly, a Christian is called to integrate their new faith into their existing life, transforming it from within. Another analogy is a ship at sea. The ship's destination does not require it to change its fundamental structure or purpose; rather, the crew uses the ship's capabilities to navigate towards the destination.

Relation to Other Verses

This verse is closely connected to other passages in 1 Corinthians 7, such as verse 17: "Nevertheless, each person should live as the Lord has assigned to them and as God has called them. This is the rule I lay down in all the churches." It also resonates with Paul's instruction in Ephesians 4:1: "As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received." The principle of remaining in one's calling is also echoed in the instruction to slaves and masters in the Pauline epistles, for instance, Colossians 3:22-24, which urges slaves to obey their earthly masters "as if you were serving Christ himself," implying that their current position does not preclude serving God.