1 Corinthians 7:27

Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife (KJV)

Then: Clear advice for those who are betrothed. What should the never-been-married, the about-to-be married, the long-term betrothed do? Keep the contract or break it? "Stay as you are," says Paul. What about members of a broken betrothal? Same thing. "Stay as you are." This verse is primarily addressed to men, but commentators believe the question originated from women's concerns as to their end-time freedoms and service. Another wrinkle came from Corinthian Christians who were influenced by ascetic beliefs. They believed no one should ever marry. Not an ascetic, Paul had to affirm his personal choice of celibacy, yet uphold the Lord's direction - "Be fruitful and multiply" (Fee, p. 323). Fee's explanation (p. 333) brings out the apostle's pastoral concerns. It is not a sin to marry, but life would be hard for the newly married. (See distress in previous verse).

Now: At first, Paul's advice does not seem useful to a world where marriage betrothals are no longer contracts between parents. Instead they are agreements between two responsible individuals. In actuality, it is very similar. If a fiancé accepts Christ, but the fiancée does not (or vice versa) both need to consider how that will affect the marriage. They would do well to wait until the other becomes a believer. Many become believers at a young age. What is the Lord's call on their lives? Will the two together be able to manage life's - distracting problems of survival - food, clothing, and shelter? The answers are individual, not universal. Paul's further question, "Will the Lord return in our time or is he delaying so that more have opportunity to know Truth?" also impacts the individual's call from the Lord. Maybe being single is the right choice, but for every youth and for some adults "Stay as you are" may not be his plan. Discovering what is right requires the use of judgement - as discussed under verse 7:25.

Extra source: The First Epistle to the Corinthians by Gordon D. Fee (Eerdman's 1987) online http://books.google.com/books?id=XlBp10nUTXAC&dq=Gordon+Fee+Bible+commentator&printsec=frontcover&source=in&hl=en&ei=SwLNSu3nA4v6Mf2XlDo&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=12#v=onepage&q=&f=false

1 Corinthians 7:26

I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, I say, that it is good for a man so to be KJV

Then: Paul abandons his short break from marital issues. The Corinthians have had time for the overall precept to sink in, yet he shows it again. "Stay as you are - unmarried" because that's where you were when first called and your service there is worthy. Being single and being celibate frees one to focus on the Lord's kingdom. Then as he returns to other aspects of marriage, the Corinthians stand on solid ground, more ready to hear and understand exceptions.

Now: Matthew Henry believes first-century Christians needed strength in order to endure their never-ending persecutions. Being single allowed for that - giving more time to consider and trust Paul's knowledge and apostolic authority. Hayes (p. 127) brings up a second reason. Paul believed that the time of the end was near. Believers had very little time left to teach Christ and bring lost souls into the kingdom. When one is married, individuals have less dedicated time for evangelism. N. T. Wright adds another bit of information. The Roman world was experiencing a time of famine. That kind of distress would make it quite difficult for anyone to change social status and begin supporting a wife. Although the concept of Christ's imminent return has stretched across 2000 years, These three points continue to be concerns for anyone holding a Christian world view and thinking about marriage.

Extra Source: Commentary on the Whole Bible (Acts to Revelation) by Matthew Henry, online see http://www.ccel.org/ccel/henry/mhc6.iCor.viii.html
First Corinthians by Richard B. Hayes (John Knox Press, 1997) on line at http://books.google.com/books?id=M_PC0PAs3VYC&printsec=frontcover&dq=Corinthians+and+Hays&source=bl&ots=7aeR1egDEE&sig=izrkRudbkn01ObeyAn0mRa4mn7Y&hl=en&ei=IxBaS6PsKsXp8Qbqr4D8BA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CBgQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q&f=false

1 Corinthians 7:25

Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful (KJV)

Then: Finished with his two extra illustrations, Paul returns to the Corinthians' other issues concerning marriage - sort of. Up front, he says he's using his own understandings, not direct information from God. In the process of explanation, he reveals that in following his example, the Corinthians, also, can and should reason through what is known and apply it to their daily lives. Paul uses his judgement. He has the Lord's mercy. He is called to be faithful. Being faithful necessarily requires constant attention and commitment.

Now: The integral parts of being faithful produce good judgements. The basics of daily prayer, Bible reading, communication with fellow believers, and paying attention to results of personal actions are the necessary elements. The Bible as God's Word provides followers with his direct words and many stories of how others used his words. Some were wise and some were unwise. In reading Paul's letters, we hear direct information from one who saw the risen Lord and spent many years reorienting his knowledge about the Old Testament. He needed to understand it in light of Jesus' resurrection. He tells us what he learned. In talking with fellow believers, we hear about their experiences in relating to God and what he taught them.

The one last central part of good judgement, though, is the specific guidance which the Holy Spirit gives when asked. Recognition of the Spirit's voice sometimes comes as an intuitive knowing. For some it is an audible event and for some it is the everyday practice of being obedient to the commandments. How the Lord speaks to the hearts and minds of his followers is a mystery, an ongoing happening often described as a personal relationship with Christ. In sum, the practice of listening and being faithful produces good judgements.

I Corinthians 7:24

Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God (NKJ)

Then: There's no way around it. This is Paul's main point. Stay where you are. Serve where you are. Don't initiate change until the Lord calls you elsewhere. Even then, follow his directions and don't rush ahead. The Lord's servant was bought with a price and owes a great debt. He is therefore obligated to do as directed. Even more, abiding brings in thoughts of home and family, the place where one lives (Phillips, p. 156). Christ lives in the homes of believers. That makes serving the Lord a full-time, all day occupation. You don't just go to work, do the Lord's will, come home, and do your own will. Abide. Even in the Corinthian world that meant 24/7.

Now: Another way to describe Paul's teaching is to use the modern prhase of "If life gives you a lemon, make lemonade." Paul doesn't really explain the "why" of his principle, but years of using it bring believers to a realization of its results. It also brings to mind Paul's teaching about the Lord's grace enveloping the homes and nations occupied by believers (see chapter 7, verse 14). Everyone in the area is blessed in the same way that a little salt flavors the whole pot of stew. Some believe that Paul's discussion of circumcision and social status are a digression. They do not see it as an extension of his principle of "Staying where called." Those who think about the verse and are called according to eternal purpose delight in using the principle and discovering God's wisdom and intent.

Extra source: Exploring 1 Corinthians: an expository commentary by John Phillips. Grand Rapids MI: Kregel Publications, c2002. http://books.google.com/books?id=c4F0l2b1QnkC&printsec=frontcover&dq=1+Corinthians+and+Phillips&source=bl&ots=NVKHtw_lSu&sig=JuRG1-pmT2bK7O0KAZUDxClRUpo&hl=en&ei=CTXPS9nwMpTC8wS5mrHCDw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CA8Q6AEwAw#v=onepage&q&f=false

1 Corinthians 7:23

Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men (KJV)

Then: Imagine being a Corinthian slave or a Corinthian freeman. How do you respond to Paul's statement that you are a slave to Christ because He bought you? Corinthians already knew it theoretically, but not practically. Where did their liberty go? They had behaved as if they were already reigning with Christ in heaven. It takes a good while to learn that those forgiven and freed from the bondage of sin are free indeed, yet they now live with the new responsibilities of following the Lord. When Paul teaches that they are not to be servants of men, he means that from the time they believed, they are to compare every action to the requirements of God. They serve the risen Saviour who taught, "Give unto Caesar that which is Caesar's and give unto God that which is God's. Although they are temporally serving the same earthly master or employer, the one who determines the value and quality of their service is the Lord.

Now: Twenty-first century believers continue to know that their ultimate service is to Christ. "I am a servant of God, cleverly disguised as a ... (carpenter, mail clerk, cook) ..." is a popular phrase. Whatever one's vocation, the true work is for the Lord's kingdom. Contrary to the work of undercover agents, Christian believers should be easily identified through their attitudes, their life choices, and their commitment.

1 Corinthians 7:22

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 (KJV)

Then: How can someone be free and be a servant (slave) at the same time? How can someone be a servant (slave) and be free at the same time? Freed in Christ, Paul answers. He knows that the bondages of sin along with its guilt are the true destroyers of man's spirit and life. Being forgiven and freed from sin completely changes the believer's attitudes and purpose. In order to explain, Paul uses the first century social structure terms because that's the world he and the Corinthians inhabited. When Christ died he paid the price for our freedom, just as a price is paid for the servant's freedom. Paul says ignore the temporary condition on earth. The freedom and liberty of the soul demands utmost attention.

Now: Two issues regarding ultimate goals and social status cause problems in today's western world. Materialism is the first. N. T. Wright (p. 86) emphasizes that God uses the nobodies of the world, "the least of these," to confound the smart ones who can't get life's true priorities sorted out. The pursuit of possessions often tempts and side tracks believers. Satan laughs because so few live the life of Mother Teresa.
The second, racism, is more difficult to explain. Racism is a worldly attitude based on status. Western concepts of slavery differ from that of the first century institution, yet commentators look for Paul's understandings and principles. In the first century, being a servant could give high status just like being chosen to work for a Fortune 500 company does today. Older slaves could be released from service. In both eras, servitude did involve giving up the possibility of having personal possessions, choosing vocations, having free time, or receiving payment for work tendered.* Phillips (p.155-156) gives an explanation that sometimes owners would pay a temple god a fee in order to free a slave. From then on the freeman could never again be made to be a slave.
Today, the burden of racism hinders those seeking opportunities to own homes, choose vocations, have leisure time, and work for payment. From the opposite view, understanding of individuals trying to overcome generational attitudes of victimhood is lacking. Again Satan laughs because so few follow the footsteps of Martin Luther King. Believers need Paul's advice. Was he saying that slaves and/or victims of racism should always stay where they are? No. He knew believers' are required to pray and work for God's kingdom on earth. We are expected to focus on Christ's values and purposes, not those of the world. Liberty in Christ is an interim status. Having the mind of Christ is the goal. Check out the next verse.

Extra source: *Thomas Sowell in April 20, 2010 article "The Limits of Power," explains that many - such as Rome, US Old South, modern China - who used involuntary servitude plus whipping could not get good work from slaves doing technical, intellectual tasks unless they were also given money.
Exploring 1 Corinthians: an expository commentary by John Phillips. Grand Rapids MI: Kregel Publications, c2002. http://books.google.com/books?id=c4F0l2b1QnkC&printsec=frontcover&dq=1+Corinthians+and+Phillips&source=bl&ots=NVKHtw_lSu&sig=JuRG1-pmT2bK7O0KAZUDxClRUpo&hl=en&ei=CTXPS9nwMpTC8wS5mrHCDw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CA8Q6AEwAw#

1 Corinthians 7:21

Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather (KJV)

Then: Always, always, always, Paul looks to the highest calling of serving of the Lord. There is no time for lesser pursuits. Every action, every problem, every goal is put into the hierarchy of being one who gives everything to the Lord. There is no other purpose for life, but to find joy in being with the Lord. To disappoint him is unbearable. Nothing else matters. If you are a servant, serve God over and above your earthly master. If you become a freeman, serve God. Ignore all trivial, personal pursuits.

Now: Until retirement, a person's work or vocation occupies the major quantity of each day. The believer's opportunities to serve Christ arise in those circumstances. Workers in the church focus on equipping the others with skills and knowledge to bring Christ's teachings to those who don't come to church. Workers in the secular world take what they know and use it where they are. Each individual works in the place designated by the Lord.

1 Corinthians 7:20

Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called (KJV)

Then: Paul finally states the guideline. All are called to serve where they are at the Lord's pleasure and will. No one Christian is better than another. No one Christian has a higher kingdom status than another. No one Christian is more greatly esteemed by Christ than another. All are equal in the kingdom. The time may come when the Lord changes someone's social circumstances, but the task of the Christian remains the same - abide. Follow him. Corinthians needed this extra add-on statement after the directions for marriage in order to check out the principle. To be positive they get it, Paul adds another example in the next verse.

Now: Sometimes new believers think it is necessary to drop everything they are doing, pack up and serve elsewhere - without full knowledge of the Bible, without training as to how people in various cultures respond, and without the advice of those who have successfully served during the past 2000 years. Stay where you are. Take it day by day, step by step, and listen carefully to the Lord's teachings. How much better it is to influence one seeker at a current work place, than to make enemies of many in an unknown land. When the time comes, the Lord will say "Come." Until then, hear his voice, "Wait," but do all you can to become a worker who pleases him in daily actions and choices. "Study to show thyself approved."

1 Corinthians 7:18

Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised (KJV)

Then: Paul never leaves his hearers without examples. The original question could have come from the Corinthians, or it could have come from other churches. Along with having both a physical and spiritual meaning, the query fits into his current teaching point and principle of "Stay where you are when called by the Lord." Notice that "circumcision" is another way for Paul to say "Jewish," and "uncircumcised" is a way to refer to "Gentiles" or "pagans." There is no reason to become circumcised when the people the Corinthians would influence about Christ's lordship are those who are already associates. Most likely they were not circumcised. Vice-versa, if a Corinthian was a Jew, the people whom they would influence most are other Jews. The spiritual meaning is the Corinthians' daily task of telling others about Christ.

Now: Today's Christians use the same principle, inasmuch as it is possible. If they are able to speak with past friends individually without being pulled back into a former life - such as the drug culture or gang mentality, then they are free to keep close associations. However, if the influence of the other is greater than the believer's strength of purpose, close associations are not advisable. Anyone looking at Paul's biography notices the multi-year gap between his conversion and his ministry. Before turning to a life of daily service to the Lord Paul took time to withdraw and re-orient his world view by studying Christ. Believers need both Paul's teaching and example in order to be effective followers.