What does 1 Corinthians 7:17 mean?

But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches. 1 Corinthians 7:17

Explanation

1 Corinthians 7:17 emphasizes the principle that Christians should live the life that God has assigned to them and abide in the condition in which they were called. In other words, upon becoming a Christian, it is not necessary for a person to drastically change their cultural or social status; instead, they should continue to live their lives, applying Christian principles and teachings. The phrase “as the Lord hath called everyone” suggests that God has a specific calling for each person, and that people should follow that calling within their current circumstances. Paul’s direction to “walk” in this way expresses the need to live out one’s faith actively and consistently.

Historical Context

1 Corinthians was written by the Apostle Paul around AD 53-54, to address various issues in the church of Corinth, a cosmopolitan city with diverse ethnicities and religions. This verse is part of a larger discussion in 1 Corinthians 7 about marriage, celibacy, and how Christians should conduct themselves in various personal states of life. Paul’s teaching reflects the early Christian belief that Jesus Christ’s return was imminent, and so he advised the church on how to live faithfully during this period of anticipation.

Theological Insights

The verse is often interpreted as a call to contentment and faithfulness. Theologically, it underscores the sovereignty of God in the lives of believers, affirming that every situation, whether seen as prestigious or humble, is part of God’s distributive plan for individuals. Additionally, some strands of Christian thought view this as supporting the notion of “vocation,” where one’s secular occupation is seen as a calling from God and an opportunity to serve him.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse can encourage Christians to find contentment in their current circumstances and focus on living a life that honors God where they are, rather than being restless or discontent in pursuit of a different status. It suggests that every aspect of life, be it personal or professional, is an arena for Christian testimony and service.

Cross-References

• Colossians 3:17: “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”
• Ephesians 4:1: “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,”
• Romans 12:6: “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;”

Language Study

In the original Greek, the term “διέλεκτεν” (dielenktai) translated as “hath distributed” conveys the allocation or assignment by God. The word “κλήσει” (klēsei) for “called” indicates an invitation or summoning, often used with the connotation of a divine calling. The term “περιπατείτω” (peripateitō) meaning “so let him walk” suggests a continuous action of living or conducting oneself.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The principle of finding divine purpose in one’s current status has parallels in various ancient philosophies, such as Stoicism, which emphasized contentment with one’s lot in life. In other religious traditions like Hinduism, the concept of Dharma echoes a similar sentiment where individuals are encouraged to fulfill their allotted role in life.

Scientific Perspectives

While this verse does not directly engage with scientific ideas, its emphasis on living responsibly in one’s given circumstances can indirectly relate to concepts in social science that pertain to understanding one’s role and function in society or psychology, like self-actualization as part of fulfilling one’s potential within a given context.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars have offered various interpretations of this passage. Some view it as a pragmatic approach to cease social upheavals during a time when the early church was under scrutiny. Others see it as an encouragement for a provisional state of affairs, given the imminent expectation of Christ’s return. Still, modern commentary often leans towards understanding this passage as advocating for the sacredness of the ordinary life and the pursuit of godliness regardless of one’s social or economic state.