Only, everyone should live as the Lord has assigned, just as God called each one. I give this order in all the churches. 18 Was someone called after he had been circumcised? He should not try to undo his circumcision. Was an uncircumcised person called? He should not be circumcised. 19 Circumcision means nothing, and uncircumcision means nothing; what matters is keeping God’s commandments. 20 Everyone should remain in the state in which he was called. 21 Were you a slave when you were called? Do not be concerned but, even if you can gain your freedom, make the most of it. 22 For the slave called in the Lord is a freed person in the Lord, just as the free person who has been called is a slave of Christ. 23 You have been purchased at a price. Do not become slaves to human beings. 24 Brothers, everyone should continue before God in the state in which he was called.
Paul instructs Christians in all churches to remain in the state of life in which they were called by God (cf. 1 Cor. 7:17, Gal. 3:27–28). God’s calling transforms believers, drawing them into fellowship with Him and enabling them to live for His glory. One’s current state of life, regardless of social or cultural conditions, can be oriented toward God’s purposes (Col. 3:23–24). Addressing both Jewish and Gentile Christians, Paul affirms that physical signs like circumcision are irrelevant to salvation under the new covenant (cf. Gal. 5:6).
In the ancient Greco-Roman world, circumcision was often viewed as a disfigurement or imperfection, and some circumcised males underwent a surgical procedure called epispasm to restore the appearance of being uncircumcised. This practice was particularly common among Hellenized Jews seeking acceptance in Greek or Roman society. Paul, however, reminds the Corinthians that such external rituals hold no salvific power. Instead, what truly matters is obedience to God’s commandments, which fulfills the spirit of the Law (cf. Deut. 10:12–13; Rom. 2:28–29).
Paul encourages Christians to live faithfully within their current circumstances, recognizing that their spiritual identity in Christ transcends worldly conditions. While acknowledging the reality of slavery in the Roman world, Paul does not condone it. Instead, he reassures believers that their spiritual freedom in Christ surpasses their physical status. However, he advises slaves to seek their freedom if the opportunity arises. All believers are equal in Christ, regardless of their social status (Gal. 3:28).
An enslaved believer is spiritually liberated through union with Christ, while the free person becomes a “slave” to Christ through faith and obedience (cf. Rom. 6:22). Paul reminds the Corinthians that their redemption was purchased at the price of Christ’s blood (1 Peter 1:18–19), underscoring that they belong to God and owe Him their ultimate allegiance. This admonition warns against becoming spiritually enslaved to worldly systems or ideologies. Paul concludes by reiterating that believers should remain faithful in their circumstances, living with a focus on their relationship with God and embracing their present vocation as a means of sanctification.
Almighty God, help us to remain faithful to Your calling in whatever state of life we are, trusting in Your providence and glorifying You in all we do. May we find true freedom in serving Christ, who redeemed us with His precious blood. This we pray through the same Christ our Lord. Amen!
Sources
- McSorley, Joseph. An Outline History of the Church by Centuries (From St. Peter to Pius XII). 2nd ed., B. Herder Book Co., 1944.
- Orchard, Bernard, et al. A Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture. Feb. 1953.
- Chiu, José Enrique Aguilar, et al. The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Paulist Press, 2018.
- Faculty of the University of Navarre. The Navarre Bible: New Testament Expanded Edition. Four Courts / Scepter, 2008.
- Brown, Raymond Edward, et al. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Prentice Hall, 1990.
- Charpentier, Etienne. How to Read the Old Testament. Translated by John Bowden, 1981.
- Komonchak, Joseph, et al., editors. The New Dictionary of Theology.
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