What does 1 Corinthians 7:22 mean?

For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord’s freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ’s servant. 1 Corinthians 7:22

Explanation

1 Corinthians 7:22 addresses the spiritual status of believers in relation to their earthly circumstances, particularly focusing on the concepts of freedom and servitude. The apostle Paul is emphasizing that regardless of one’s social position – whether one is a slave or a free person – their status in Christ transcends these earthly distinctions. For the person who becomes a Christian while a slave, Paul says they are the Lord’s “freeman,” implying that they have been given spiritual freedom in Christ. Conversely, someone who was free when called to faith in Christ has become “Christ’s servant,” which underscores the notion that believers owe their allegiance to Christ and are bound to serve Him. This verse highlights the transformative effect of Christian calling that redefines one’s identity and purpose beyond the societal roles.

Historical Context

The verse comes from a letter written by Paul to the church in Corinth around the middle of the first century A.D. The Greco-Roman world of that time was structured with a rigid social hierarchy, where slavery was a common and accepted institution. Many early Christians came from the lower echelons of society, including slaves, and this teaching would have been particularly pertinent to them. Paul’s letters often addressed practical concerns about how to live out the Christian faith in various circumstances, and his guidance on slavery reflects this.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse can be interpreted within the framework of Christian liberty and servitude. Theologically, different viewpoints may focus on:

• Reformation Theology: Emphasizes the priesthood of all believers, suggesting that in Christ, no one is spiritually superior or inferior based on social status.
• Liberation Theology: May use this verse to highlight the breaking down of oppressive structures and the empowerment of marginalized people through Christ.
• Covenantal Theology: Might interpret the verse in the context of the New Covenant, where one’s status in Christ defines one’s true identity and duty.

Practical Applications

1 Corinthians 7:22 can be applied in daily life in several ways:

• Encouraging individuals to see their worth and identity in Christ rather than their social status or job title.
• Motivating Christians to serve Christ with zeal, regardless of their earthly circumstances or positions.
• Urging believers to work for justice and equality, as it implies that all are equal before God.

Cross-References

• Galatians 3:28: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.”
• Ephesians 6:9: “And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.”

Language Study

• “Called” (Greek: klētos): This term implies being invited or summoned, emphasizing the divine calling to salvation and community in Christ.
• “Servant” (Greek: doulos): Often translated as “slave,” this term indicates someone who is completely subservient to a master.
• “Freeman” (Greek: apeleutheros): This term refers to someone who has been liberated or is free, particularly from slavery.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the context of other ancient myths and religious systems, the concepts of spiritual freedom and servitude are quite radical. Many ancient cultures had creation myths that depicted humans as slaves to the gods, with no concept of spiritual liberation. Christianity’s assertion of equality before God contrasts sharply with these views.

Scientific Perspectives

While this verse does not directly intersect modern scientific understandings, its themes of equality and spiritual freedom resonate with psychological concepts of self-worth and identity which are studied in the field of psychology.

Commentaries

Experts in biblical exegesis offer various interpretations of 1 Corinthians 7:22:

• Some commentaries, like Matthew Henry’s, focus on the transformation that occurs when a person becomes a Christian, which transcends social structures.
• The MacArthur Study Bible notes explain that true freedom and true enslavement are spiritual conditions rather than physical or social statuses.
• The IVP New Testament Commentaries highlight the radical nature of Paul’s words in light of the cultural context, claiming the same Lord over both the free and the slave.