Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Corinthians 7:20
Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called.
20. Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called ] See note on ch. 1Co 1:20. It is not what we call man’s “vocation,” but God’s act of calling that is spoken of.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Let every man abide – Let him remain or continue.
In the same calling – The same occupation, profession, rank of life. We use the word calling in the same sense to denote the occupation or profession of a man. Probably the original idea which led people to designate a profession as a CallinG was the belief that God called every man to the profession and rank which he occupies; that is, that it is by his arrangement, or providence, that he occupies that rank rather than another. In this way every man has a Call to the profession in which he is engaged as really as ministers of the gospel; and every man should have as clear evidence that God has called him to the sphere of life in which he moves as ministers of the gospel should have that God has called them to their appropriate profession. This declaration of Paul, that everyone is to remain in the same occupation or rank in which he was when he was converted, is to he taken in a general and not in an unqualified sense. It does not design to teach that a man is in no situation to seek a change in his profession when he becomes pious. But it is intended to show that religion was the friend of order; that it did not disregard or disarrange the relations of social life; that it was suited to produce contentment even in an humble walk, and to prevent repinings at the lot of those who were more favored or happy. That it did not design to prevent all change is apparent from the next verse, and from the nature of the case. some of the circumstances in which a change of condition, or of calling, may be proper when a man is converted, are the following:
(1) When a man is a slave, and he can obtain his freedom, 1Co 7:21.
(2) When a man is pursuing a wicked calling or course of life when he was converted, even if it is lucrative, he should abandon it as speedily as possible. Thus, if a man is engaged, as John Newton was, in the slave-trade, he should at once abandon it. If he is engaged in the manufacture or sale of ardent spirits, he should at once forsake the business, even at great personal sacrifice, and engage in a lawful and honorable employment; see the note at Act 19:19. No considerations can justify a continuance in a course of life like this after a man is converted. No consideration can make a business which is evil, and only evil, and that continually, proper or right.
(3) Where a man can increase his usefulness by choosing a new profession. Thus, the usefulness of many a man is greatly promoted by his leaving an agricultural, or mechanical employment; or by his leaving the bar, or the mercantile profession, and becoming a minister of the gospel. In such situations, religion not only permits a man to change his profession, but it demands it; nor will God smile upon him, or bless him, unless the change is made. An opportunity to become more useful imposes an obligation to change the course of life. And no man is permitted to waste his life and talents in a mere scheme of money-making, or in self-indulgence, when by changing his calling he can do more for the salvation of the world.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 20. Let every man abide in the same calling] As both the circumcised and uncircumcised, in Christ, have the same advantages, and to their believing the same facilities; so any situation of life is equally friendly to the salvation of the soul, if a man be faithful to the grace he has received. Therefore, in all situations a Christian should be content, for all things work together for good to him who loves God.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
Let every man abide in the same state and condition of life in which he was when he was first converted to the faith of Christ, that is, supposing that he was in an honest course of life; for we read in the Acts that the conjurers burnt their books, and unlawful courses of life must not be adhered to after men have once given up their names to Christ. The apostles design is only to show, that the profession of Christianity maketh no state of life unlawful, which was before that profession lawful, nor dischargeth any from such as were before the duties of persons in their circumstances and relations. They too far strain this text, who interpret it into an obligation upon all men, not to alter that particular way and course of life and trading to which they were educated, and in which they formerly have been engaged; though such a thing be of too great moment and consequence for any to do without just advice and deliberation. The world is a mutable thing, and trades and particular courses of life wear out, and what will now bring in a due livelihood, possibly seven years hence will not furnish any with bread; and it is unreasonable in such a case to think, that the rule of Christian profession ties up a man under these changes of providence to such a particular course of life, as he cannot, in it, in the sweat of his face eat his bread.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
20. the same callingthat is,the condition from which he is called a Jew, a Greek, a slave,or a freeman.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
Let every man abide in the same calling,…. Civil calling, station, and business of life,
wherein he was called; that is, in which he was when he was called by the grace of God; and is to be understood of such a calling, station, and business of life, as is lawful, honest, and of good report; otherwise he ought not to abide in it, but betake himself to another, as Matthew and Zacchaeus, when called by grace, left the scandalous employment of a publican: nor is it the apostle’s sense, that a man that is in an honest way of living, may not change that for another that is equally so, as if a man was bound down to that sort of business he is in when first called; for no doubt it may be lawful, and there may be just reason for it in Providence, why a man should change his calling and station in life; though this ought not to be done rashly and unadvisedly, and without wise and good reasons; but the chief view of the apostle is to teach contentment in every condition, and station of life, and that persons should not be uneasy and restless in it, and seek for an alteration when there is no just occasion; and particularly he seems to have reference, either to the different state of married and unmarried persons, he had before been speaking of; see 1Co 7:27 or to the different circumstances of Jew and Gentile, as circumcised or uncircumcised, as in the foregoing verse; or to the different condition of bond and free, servant and master, in the following verse; and persuades them to remain easy and satisfied, for that the Christian religion does not necessarily require a change in a man’s civil circumstances of life.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
Wherein he was called ( ). When he was called by God and saved, whether a Jew or a Gentile, a slave or a freeman.
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
Calling [] , Not the condition or occupation, a meaning which the word does not have in classical Greek, nor in the New Testament, where it always signifies the call of God into His kingdom through conversion. Paul means : If God ‘s call was to you as a circumcised man or as an uncircumcised man; as a slave or as a freedman – abide in that condition. Compare ch. 1 26.
Fuente: Vincent’s Word Studies in the New Testament
1) Let every man abide in the same calling. Paul instructed each male person to remain or continue in the calling – the same person of physical identity – (without change of person). The idea is that attempts to change or alter sex or race characteristics are neither necessary to be saved nor to serve Jesus Christ or keep His commandments. Joh 14:15.
2) Wherein he was called. (he eklethe) In which state or condition he was called, Let him remain in the very same physical state or condition, circumcised or uncircumcised. Family ties were not to be disturbed by laws that did not apply to followers of Jesus Christ. Php_4:11; Heb 13:5.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
20. Every man in the calling in which. This is the source from which other things are derived, — that every one should be contented with his calling, and pursue it, instead of seeking to betake himself to anything else. A calling in Scripture means a lawful mode of life, for it has a relation to God as calling us, (407) — lest any one should abuse this statement (408) to justify modes of life that are evidently wicked or vicious. But here it is asked, whether Paul means to establish any obligation, (409) for it might seem as though the words conveyed this idea, that every one is bound to his calling, so that he must not abandon it. Now it were a very hard thing if a tailor (410) were not at liberty to learn another trade, or if a merchant were not at liberty to betake himself to farming. I answer, that this is not what the Apostle intends, for he has it simply in view to correct that inconsiderate eagerness, which prompts some to change their condition without any proper reason, whether they do it from superstition, or from any other motive. Farther, he calls every one to this rule also — that they bear in mind what is suitable to their calling He does not, therefore, impose upon any one the necessity of continuing in the kind of life which he has once taken up, but rather condemns that restlessness, which prevents an individual from remaining in his condition with a peaceable mind (411) and he exhorts, that every one stick by his trade, as the old proverb goes.
(407) “ Car d’autant que ce nom vient d’vn mot qui signifie Appeler, il ha vne correspondance mutuelle a Dieu, qui nous appelle a ceci ou a cela;” — “For as this term comes from a word which signifies to call, it has a mutual relationship to God, who calls us to this or that.”
(408) “ Ceque ie di, afinque nul n’abuse ceste sentence;” — “Which thing I say, in order that no one may abuse this statement.”
(409) “ Vne obligation et necessite;” — “An obligation and necessity.”
(410) “ Vn cordonnier;” — “A shoemaker.”
(411) “ Paisiblement, et en repos de conscience;” — “Peaceably, and with quiet of conscience.”
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(20) Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called.This is an emphatic repetition of the principle on which the previous practical instruction is based. Calling must not here be regarded in the modern sense of profession or condition in life; it is nowhere so used in the New Testament, but always signifies Gods calling of us. (See Rom. 11:29; Eph. 1:18.) Continue to be Christians of the kind which Gods call to Christianity made you. If you were circumcisedand so Gods call into the Christian Church made you a circumcised Christiancontinue so; dont do anything which would seem to imply that some other change in addition to your call was necessary to complete your admission to the Church.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
20. Same calling This calling does not imply what is theologically called an “effectual calling,” excepting so far as the agent’s voluntary acceptance has made it “effectual,” and so his regular and permanent calling. See our note on Rom 1:1.
He was called A play upon words. Let every man remain in the secular calling wherein he was when the Gospel gave him a successful call to its blessings.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
‘Let each man abide in that calling in which he was when he was called. Were you called being a bondservant? Do not worry about it. But if you can become free use it rather.’
As he makes clear Paul is not here saying that no man should try to rise above his station. Indeed he encourages the bondservant to take any chance he has of becoming free. What he wants is for them not to become concerned about their condition because they feel that somehow it prevents them from truly living the Christian life. He does not want them running away and becoming fugitives because of some false idea that being a slave demeans them in God’s eyes or restricts their service for God. God is not pleased when His people fail to fulfil their responsibilities on the pretext of spiritual service. All Christians are to fulfil their civil, family and marital obligations.
There were two sides to being a bondservant as Exo 21:5; Deu 15:16 make clear. On the one hand freedom was restricted and he was looked on as a chattel. But on the other, if he had a good master he was cared for and provided for and given such protection as his master could provide. His future, and that of his family, was guaranteed. The freeman might theoretically be better off, but he might still be looked on as a thing of no account, little better than a chattel. And he might be paying a great price for his freedom, for a freeman was dispensable and could find himself in poverty and with nowhere to live, left to struggle along in the gutter. Many preferred to be bondservants and enjoy security.
In the passage the concentration is on calling to a station in life, to something not easily changed, not to a trade or profession, although many interpret it partly in the latter way. But there is no justification in the text for doing so. In fact there were some trades and professions which a Christian would have to change from because of its associations, or because it was against the commandments of God. This principle can be overruled by other more important principles which are direct commandments of God.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
1Co 7:20. Let every man abide in the same calling, &c. It is plain from what immediately follows, that this is not an absolute command; but only signifies, that a man should not think himself discharged by the privilege of his Christian state, and the franchises of the kingdom of Christ into which he was entered, from any ties or obligations that he was under as a member of the civil society. The thinking themselves freed by Christianity from those ties, was a fault, it seems, which those Christians at Corinth were very apt to run into; for St. Paul thinks it necessary to guard them against this prejudice three times in the compass of seven verses; and, in the form of a direct command, enjoins them not to change their conditionor state of life: whereby he manifestly intends that they should not change, upon a presumption that Christianity gave them a new or peculiar liberty to do so; for, notwithstanding the Apostle’s positively bidding them to remain in the same condition in which they were at their conversion, it is yet certain, that it was lawful for them, as well as others, to change, where it was lawful for them to change had they not been Christians. See Lock
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
1Co 7:20 . An emphatic repetition of the rule after giving the illustration of it. Comp 1Co 7:24 .
] Since Calvin, expositors have often understood of the outward position in life , like our calling [ Beruf ], and have supplied before in accordance with the pure Attic idiom (Stallbaum, a [1169] Plat. Phaed. p. 76 D; Khner, a [1170] Xen. Mem. ii. 1. 32). So, recently, Rckert. But although (Dionys. Hal. Antt. v. 18) does expressly correspond to the Latin classis, a division of the burgesses , according to the true derivation of that technical term from the Greek, yet even profane writers never use in the sense of avocation [ Beruf ] (rank, and the like); and in the whole N. T. the Christian meaning of and is that in which they are invariably used, and so here also: in the calling (to the Messianic kingdom) through which ( being the dat. instrum ., as in 2Ti 1:9 ) he was called . This may have been, that is to say, going forth from God to a circumcised man or an uncircumcised, to a slave or a freeman, etc. If, now, the man, for example, who was called in circumcision by a vocatio circumcisi thereafter restores the foreskin, so as to give himself out for an uncircumcised person, he does not abide in the calling through which he was called. The right interpretation is already given be Chrysostom and Theophylact ( , ). Comp 1Co 7:17 : The emphatic (1Co 6:4 ) points at the misdirected yearning for another state of matters through which another would present itself, as e.g. through the a being called , etc.
[1169] d refers to the note of the commentator or editor named on the particular passage.
[1170] d refers to the note of the commentator or editor named on the particular passage.
Fuente: Heinrich August Wilhelm Meyer’s New Testament Commentary
20 Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called.
Ver. 20. Abide in the same calling ] And therein learn to “maintain good works,” or to be their craftsmen, to excel in their profession, honestis functionibus praeesse, as some render the apostle there, Tit 3:8 ; Tit 3:14 . . These things are good and profitable unto men.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
20 .] Formal repetition of the general precept , as again 1Co 7:24 .
is not the calling in life , for it never has that meaning either in classical or Hellenistic Greek (in the example which Wetst. gives from Dion. Hal. Antt. iv. 20, is used to express the Latin ‘classes ,’ , and so is not a Greek word at all); but strictly calling (‘vocatio’) by God , as in ref. The of a circumcised person would be a calling in circumcision , and by this he was to abide.
] See ch. 1Co 6:4 ; emphatic.
Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament
1Co 7:20 . Diff. views are taken of this ver., as is referred to the religious call or secular calling of the man; and as is accordingly rendered “wherewith” (instrum. dat [1081] : cf. Eph 4:1 , 2Ti 1:9 ), or “wherein” (governed by the foregoing : cf. 1Co 7:241Co 7:24 ; see Wr [1082] , pp. 524 f.). The latter interpretation is negatived by the fact that it destroys the unity of sense between and (see note on 1Co 7:18 : does in Gr [1083] anywhere mean avocation? ). Besides, “circumcision” and “uncircumcision” are not “callings”. Yet P. is manifestly referring to outward conditions affecting the religious call. The stress of the sentence lies on ( cf. 1Co 7:24 ); and Gal 3:2 f., 1Co 5:2-6 , give the clue to the Apostle’s meaning. A change of secular condition adopted under the idea that circumcision or uncircumcision is “something,” that it makes a diff [1084] in the eyes of God, would be a change of religious princple, an abandonment of the basis of our call to salvation by grace and through faith; cf. Gal 2:11-21 . The Gentile who embraced circumcision in order to fulfil the law of God was severing himself from Christ and falling from grace. The “abide” of 1 Cor. is parl [1085] to the “stand fast” of Gal.
[1081] dative case.
[1082] Winer-Moulton’s Grammar of N.T. Greek (8th ed., 1877).
[1083] Greek, or Grotius’ Annotationes in N.T.
[1084]
[1085] parallel.
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
same. Omit.
wherein = in (Greek. en) which. The order in the Greek is, “Each one in the calling in which he was called, in this let him remain”.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
20.] Formal repetition of the general precept, as again 1Co 7:24.
is not the calling in life, for it never has that meaning either in classical or Hellenistic Greek (in the example which Wetst. gives from Dion. Hal. Antt. iv. 20, is used to express the Latin classes,- , and so is not a Greek word at all); but strictly calling (vocatio) by God, as in ref. The of a circumcised person would be a calling in circumcision,-and by this he was to abide.
] See ch. 1Co 6:4; emphatic.
Fuente: The Greek Testament
1Co 7:20. , in the calling) The state in which the [heavenly] calling stumbles upon [finds] any one, is equivalent to a calling.
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament
1Co 7:20
1Co 7:20
Let each man abide in that calling wherein he was called.-He enlarges the thought by commanding every one to remain in the calling or in the relationship in which he was when he was called. Coming to Christ makes him faithful in the calling. [This is not intended to prohibit a mans endeavor to better his condition; but that there are certain conditions of life that to the Christian call there is a special form. Such as the great distinctions-national, social, and natural– on the maintenance of which in any particular age or country the preservation of the principles of liberty and order and their legitimate development in human history mainly depend. Paul says: There can be neither Jew nor Greek, there can be neither bond nor free, there can be no male and female; for ye all are one man in Christ Jesus. (Gal 3:28). This enumeration sets before us the three great fundamental conceptions that at once divide and unite the race-that of Jew and Greek, or the national distinction; that of slave and free, or the social distinction; and that of male and female, or the physical distinction. No one should desire to change the status of life on becoming a Christian. Paul was endeavoring to convince his readers that their relation to Christ was compatible with any of the conditions of life enumerated. The gospel is just as well suited to people in one condition as another, and its blessings can be enjoyed in all their fullness equally in any condition of life. They were to continue to be Christians of the kind which Gods call made them. If they were circumcised-and so Gods call into Christ made them circumcised Christians- continue so. They were to do nothing which would seem to imply that some other change in addition to their becoming obedient to the gospel was necessary to complete their admission into the fullness of the blessings in Christ.]
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
abide: 1Co 7:17, 1Co 7:21-23, Pro 27:8, Luk 3:10-14, 1Th 4:11, 2Th 3:12
Reciprocal: Gen 39:2 – house 1Co 7:24 – let 1Co 7:27 – thou bound
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
OUR CALLING
Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called.
1Co 7:20
This is an exhortation much needed in the present day. Men and women often think that if only their circumstances were different they could serve God better. But the true service of God is not a question of environment.
I. Make sure you are in the right place.In all Christian service it is of the first importance to be sure that we are in the place that God has chosen for us, and that we are doing that which He would have us do. If we are assured of that, then let nothing induce us to change. The words of the Church Catechism to do my duty in that state of life unto which it shall please God to call me applies quite as forcibly to spiritual as to material things.
II. In that place remain.If God is using you in the place where He has put you, there remain until He makes known to you that His will is otherwise. Much of the ineffectiveness of Christian work to-day is due to a feeling of unrest, almost of discontent. Men and women think they have large gifts, and they are anxious to obtain a wider sphere. But our whole purpose should be not to seek any other sphere than that which the Lord Himself shall choose for us. It may be a small sphere, and we may think our talents are wasted there, but depend upon it the sphere, however small it may be, is large enough when we remember that we shall have to give an account of our stewardship there. Young men with speaking gifts sometimes think that they can serve God best as lay preachers, and they disdain the more humble charge of a Sunday-school class. Yet how great is the responsibility for the souls of the children! and no one need desire a higher form of service.
III. Seek to do Gods will, not your own.The true remedy for all unrest and discontent is to bend to the will of God. The man who can say from the heart Teach me to do the thing that pleaseth Thee will be ready to abide in the same calling wherein he was called, knowing that there he can live and work to Gods glory.
Fuente: Church Pulpit Commentary
1Co 7:20. This verse is a general application of the preceding several verses.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
The apostle seems to intimate from these words, that some persons converted to Christianity in the primitive times, apprehended that thereupon they must leave their worldly callings and employments, as if they were snares to them, or unnecessary diversions from better things.
No, says the apostle, Let every one in his calling, wherein he is called, therein abide with God; that is, look in what honest, civil calling they were found when they became Christians, let them keep to that calling still. For God doth not call us from our worldly employments and business, but calls us to be holy in them ; nor doth our serving God any whit acquit or discharge us from serving one another.
But particularly it was the opinion of some servants converted to Christianity, that their spiritual freedom by Christ exempted them from all civil service to their masters. The apostle therefore tells them they are indeed freed by Christ, from sinful slavery, but not from civil servitude and subjection; from Jewish bondage, but not from Christian obedience.
Learn hence, That Christianity doth not free men from any civil obligations which before they lay under. Our advantages by Christ are spiritual, and not secular; no man’s outward condition is changed by his becoming a Christian; though he be now the Lord’s freeman, yet he is a servant still, if he was so before; nay, their Christianity did not exempt them from their secular relation to their heathen and infidel masters. A service to man doth not exempt us from, nor is inconsistent with, the service of God; so our spiritual calling doth not make void our civil; Therefore let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called.
Fuente: Expository Notes with Practical Observations on the New Testament
1Co 7:20-24. Let every man abide wherein he was called Affect not to change without the clear and evident leadings of Providence, as there is generally greater reason to expect a man will enjoy comfort, and be holy and useful, in a situation to which he is accustomed, than in another to which he is a stranger. The apostle repeats the injunction because of its great importance; for they who are so unsettled in their minds as to be continually changing from one condition or line of life to another, seldom make progress, or are of much use to themselves or others, in any one. Art thou called being a servant Or bondman, as properly signifies; care not for it Do not much regard it, nor anxiously seek liberty: do not suppose that such a condition renders thee less acceptable to God, or is unworthy of a Christian. But if thou mayest be made free By any lawful method; use it rather Embrace the opportunity. He that is called in, or by, the Lord To the Christian faith; being a servant Or a bond-man; is the Lords freeman Being delivered by him from the slavery of sin and Satan, and therefore possesses the greatest of all dignities. Likewise In like manner; he that is called, being free From the authority of any human master; is Christs servant Or bondman; not free in this respect; not at his own disposal; not at liberty to do his own will, but bound to be subject and obedient to Christ. Surely, as Goodwin observes, the apostle could not have expressed in stronger terms his deep conviction of the small importance of human distinctions than he here does; when, speaking of what seems, to great and generous minds, the most miserable lot, even that of a slave, he says, Care not for it. To this Doddridge adds, If liberty itself, the first of all temporal blessings, be not of so great importance as that a man, blessed with the high hopes and glorious consolations of Christianity, should make himself very solicitous about it, how much less in those comparatively trifling distinctions on which many lay so disproportionate, so extravagant a stress. Ye are bought with a price Christ hath redeemed you at the expense of his own blood, a price of infinite value; be not ye the servants The slaves; of men If it can by any lawful means be avoided, since so many evils, dangers, and snares are inseparable from such a condition. Brethren, let every man, &c. Here the apostle repeats the same advice a third time in the compass of a few verses, intending, LEnfant thinks, to correct some disorders among the Christian slaves in Corinth, who, agreeably to the doctrine of the false teachers, claimed their liberty, on pretence that, as brethren in Christ, they were on an equality with their Christian masters. Therein abide with God Doing all things as unto God, and as in his immediate presence. They who thus abide with God, preserve a holy indifference with regard to outward things.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Vv. 20. Let every man remain faithful to the calling wherewith he was called. Literally: Let every man abide in the calling wherewith he was called. The word , call, vocation, cannot denote the earthly state or profession; it is applied here, as elsewhere, to the call to salvation. The pronoun with would suffice to prove this: the call with which he was called. Only the idea of the call must be taken to embrace all the external circumstances which furnish the occasion and determine the manner of it. What a difference between the manner of calling in the case of one circumcised and of one uncircumcised! Now this earthly situation, appointed by God, must not be left at one’s own will. What was the means of thy call will not fail to exercise thy fidelity.
This maxim, which closes the treatment of the first example, serves as a transition to that of the second.
Fuente: Godet Commentary (Luke, John, Romans and 1 Corinthians)
Let each man abide in that calling [trade or social condition] wherein he was called.
Fuente: McGarvey and Pendleton Commentaries (New Testament)
The "condition" (NASB) or "situation" (NIV; Gr. klesis) is the calling (1Co 7:17) in life in which a person was when God called him or her into His family (cf. 1Co 1:2; Eph 4:1). Our calling as Christians, to bear witness to Jesus Christ, is more important than our calling in life, namely, the place we occupy in the social, economic, and geographical scheme of things.