1 corinthians 7:20 - Let each man stay in that calling in which he was called.
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What does "1 corinthians 7:20" mean?
1 Corinthians 7:20, "Let each one remain in the calling in which he was called," is part of Paul's broader discussion on marriage, singleness, and social status within the Corinthian church. To understand its meaning, we need to consider the context of the chapter and Paul's overarching message.
Here's a breakdown of what the verse likely means:
"Calling" (κλῆσις - klēsis): This refers to the state one was in when they became a Christian. This could refer to marital status (married, unmarried, divorced), social status (slave, free), or occupational status (trade, profession). It's the condition or situation in life God found them in when they heard and accepted the Gospel.
"Remain/Stay" (μενέτω - menetō): Paul is urging people to stay put, to not drastically alter their fundamental life situation simply because they have become Christians. He's not advocating for stagnation or preventing necessary change, but rather advising against upheaval based solely on new religious convictions.
The Overall Meaning:
Contentment and Focus on Spiritual Growth: Paul's underlying concern is that people might become preoccupied with changing their circumstances rather than focusing on living out their faith in their current situation. He wants them to prioritize their relationship with God and their service to others, regardless of their social or marital status. He seems to be suggesting that trying to change external circumstances isn't the primary path to spiritual growth, and that genuine discipleship is possible within any situation.
Avoiding Unnecessary Disruption: In the context of the early church, radical changes in social status could have been disruptive to the community and potentially cast a negative light on the Christian faith. For example, a slave immediately seeking freedom might cause conflict with their master, hindering the spread of the Gospel.
Not a Rigid Command: It's crucial to recognize that this isn't an absolute command forbidding all change. Paul is giving practical advice in a specific context. It's not meant to be a universal rule that prevents someone from improving their situation or escaping abusive relationships, for example.
Focus on Inner Transformation: The verse highlights the importance of inner transformation over external changes. Becoming a Christian doesn't magically solve all problems, but it does provide a new perspective and purpose for living, regardless of one's circumstances.
What the Verse Does NOT Mean:
It doesn't mean people are stuck in their jobs forever: It's not advocating against career changes if God leads someone to a different vocation.
It doesn't mean people should stay in abusive relationships: Paul's teachings on love and respect contradict any interpretation that would condone abuse.
It doesn't mean social injustice should be ignored: While Paul encourages contentment in one's present circumstances, it doesn't mean Christians should passively accept injustice or refrain from working toward a more just society.
In Summary:
1 Corinthians 7:20 is Paul's encouragement to the Corinthian believers to focus on living out their faith and growing spiritually within the circumstances they were in when they became Christians. It is a call for contentment, stability, and prioritizing the Gospel message over radical external changes. It is not an endorsement of stagnation or a prohibition against all change, but rather a reminder that true transformation begins within and that discipleship is possible in any situation. The context and wider teachings of Paul must be considered when interpreting this verse.
1 corinthians 7:20 - Let each man stay in that calling in which he was called.
What does "1 corinthians 7:20" mean?
1 Corinthians 7:20, "Let each one remain in the calling in which he was called," is part of Paul's broader discussion on marriage, singleness, and social status within the Corinthian church. To understand its meaning, we need to consider the context of the chapter and Paul's overarching message.
Here's a breakdown of what the verse likely means:
"Calling" (κλῆσις - klēsis): This refers to the state one was in when they became a Christian. This could refer to marital status (married, unmarried, divorced), social status (slave, free), or occupational status (trade, profession). It's the condition or situation in life God found them in when they heard and accepted the Gospel.
"Remain/Stay" (μενέτω - menetō): Paul is urging people to stay put, to not drastically alter their fundamental life situation simply because they have become Christians. He's not advocating for stagnation or preventing necessary change, but rather advising against upheaval based solely on new religious convictions.
The Overall Meaning:
Contentment and Focus on Spiritual Growth: Paul's underlying concern is that people might become preoccupied with changing their circumstances rather than focusing on living out their faith in their current situation. He wants them to prioritize their relationship with God and their service to others, regardless of their social or marital status. He seems to be suggesting that trying to change external circumstances isn't the primary path to spiritual growth, and that genuine discipleship is possible within any situation.
Avoiding Unnecessary Disruption: In the context of the early church, radical changes in social status could have been disruptive to the community and potentially cast a negative light on the Christian faith. For example, a slave immediately seeking freedom might cause conflict with their master, hindering the spread of the Gospel.
Not a Rigid Command: It's crucial to recognize that this isn't an absolute command forbidding all change. Paul is giving practical advice in a specific context. It's not meant to be a universal rule that prevents someone from improving their situation or escaping abusive relationships, for example.
Focus on Inner Transformation: The verse highlights the importance of inner transformation over external changes. Becoming a Christian doesn't magically solve all problems, but it does provide a new perspective and purpose for living, regardless of one's circumstances.
What the Verse Does NOT Mean:
It doesn't mean people are stuck in their jobs forever: It's not advocating against career changes if God leads someone to a different vocation.
It doesn't mean people should stay in abusive relationships: Paul's teachings on love and respect contradict any interpretation that would condone abuse.
It doesn't mean social injustice should be ignored: While Paul encourages contentment in one's present circumstances, it doesn't mean Christians should passively accept injustice or refrain from working toward a more just society.
In Summary:
1 Corinthians 7:20 is Paul's encouragement to the Corinthian believers to focus on living out their faith and growing spiritually within the circumstances they were in when they became Christians. It is a call for contentment, stability, and prioritizing the Gospel message over radical external changes. It is not an endorsement of stagnation or a prohibition against all change, but rather a reminder that true transformation begins within and that discipleship is possible in any situation. The context and wider teachings of Paul must be considered when interpreting this verse.