"Remain in that condition..." Question

[Kliska]

*1 Corinthian 7:17 Only, as the Lord has assigned to each one, as God has called each, in this manner let him walk. And so I direct in all the churches. 18 Was any man called when he was already circumcised? He is not to become uncircumcised. Has anyone been called in uncircumcision? He is not to be circumcised. 19 Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but what matters is the keeping of the commandments of God. 20 **Each man must remain in that condition in which he was called. **

21 Were you called while a slave? Do not worry about it; but if you are able also to become free, rather do that. 22 For he who was called in the Lord while a slave, is the Lord’s freedman; likewise he who was called while free, is Christ’s slave. 23 You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men. 24 Brethren, each one is to remain with God in that condition in which he was called.*

Doe’s Paul’s admonition to “remain in that condition in which he was called” only mean/apply to circumcision vs. uncircumcision (Jew vs. Gentile?) and slave vs. free, or is there other applications? I’ve heard several interpretations that say it applies to other things, such as married vs. unmarried. Perhaps that if you were called in a certain Christian denomination you should stay in that denomination, etc…

Any opinions?

 

[TomFromMD]

In all the cases, I see this as Paul talking about what one should do (or rather, shouldn’t do) due to becoming a Christian. I see it as a statement that nothing needs to change, rather than a set of outright orders not to change (except to some degree in the case of 17).

I read 17 as referring solely to circumcision. There isn’t a problem with becoming circumcised per-se. The problem is (as the church has always recognized) that becoming circumcised as part of becoming Christian has a strong possibility of distorting the faith, in that one’s faith is put in circumcision, rather than in Christ. Therefore, I see this as a near-prohibition. If there is an actual reason to become circumcised (e.g. health) it would be permissible, but it should be seen has having no spiritual value.

I don’t read 21 as saying that a slave should remain a slave - rather, I read it as “If you can get freedom, do it, but otherwise, don’t worry about being a slave, since that’s not what matters to your immortal soul”.

As for marriage, verse 25 is a continuation of the same set of thoughts. Paul definitely gives a preference to the single life, but understands that it’s not best for everyone. There’s no prohibition, and no requirement for Christians to change their status as part of becoming Christian.

 

[GEddie]

*1 Corinthian 7:17 Only, as the Lord has assigned to each one, as God has called each, in this manner let him walk. And so I direct in all the churches. 18 Was any man called when he was already circumcised? He is not to become uncircumcised. Has anyone been called in uncircumcision? He is not to be circumcised. 19 Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but what matters is the keeping of the commandments of God. 20 **Each man must remain in that condition in which he was called. ***

21 Were you called while a slave? Do not worry about it; but if you are able also to become free, rather do that. 22 For he who was called in the Lord while a slave, is the Lord’s freedman; likewise he who was called while free, is Christ’s slave. 23 You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men. 24 Brethren, each one is to remain with God in that condition in which he was called.

Doe’s Paul’s admonition to “remain in that condition in which he was called” only mean/apply to circumcision vs. uncircumcision (Jew vs. Gentile?) and slave vs. free, or is there other applications? I’ve heard several interpretations that say it applies to other things, such as married vs. unmarried. Perhaps that if you were called in a certain Christian denomination you should stay in that denomination, etc…

Any opinions?

I’m reasonably sure that it does not apply to denominations. Paul opposed the tendency to denominationalism that was already nascent in Corinth.

I believe that this refers to life states that cannot be changed. Gender is obviously one (even in the case of “transitioning,” every soma-cell in someone remains in its birth gender unto death). Marriage, when valid, is also forever. Slavery, when it existed, could not readily be gotten out of.

SP was urging people not to worry about life states that they could not, or would be almost impossible to change, but to work on holiness.

ICXC NIKA

 

[1Lord1Faith]

St. Paul is definitely not talking about staying in a denomination.

1 Cor. was written in part to quell factionalism that was developing in Corinth. “Certain members were identifying themselves with individual Christian leaders and interpreting Christian teaching as a superior wisdom for the initiated few.” (intro. to 1 Cor. from NAB)

 

[Kliska]

Thanks for all your thoughts thus far!

 

[Peter_J]

*1 Corinthian 7:17 Only, as the Lord has assigned to each one, as God has called each, in this manner let him walk. And so I direct in all the churches. 18 Was any man called when he was already circumcised? He is not to become uncircumcised. Has anyone been called in uncircumcision? He is not to be circumcised. 19 Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but what matters is the keeping of the commandments of God. 20 **Each man must remain in that condition in which he was called. ***

21 Were you called while a slave? Do not worry about it; but if you are able also to become free, rather do that. 22 For he who was called in the Lord while a slave, is the Lord’s freedman; likewise he who was called while free, is Christ’s slave. 23 You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men. 24 Brethren, each one is to remain with God in that condition in which he was called.

Doe’s Paul’s admonition to “remain in that condition in which he was called” only mean/apply to circumcision vs. uncircumcision (Jew vs. Gentile?) and slave vs. free, or is there other applications? I’ve heard several interpretations that say it applies to other things, such as married vs. unmarried. Perhaps that if you were called in a certain Christian denomination you should stay in that denomination, etc…

Any opinions?

How do you see there being denominations in early Christianity?

There were not two different congregations in the same place, each of a different denomination.

 

[rcwitness]

Hey Kliska,

We don’t believe the Lord calls us into denominationalism. We are called to one faith, one mind, and one judgment in all things.

I first believed (and saved, in a real way) in a non-denominational/E-Free church. I am thankful for the Scripture I learned there. But I was called to His Catholic Church, to be Baptized, Confirmed and Break Bread.

We are Eucharist centered. His Eucharist IS the Word made flesh! Paul says, keeping the commandments of God is what is important. Partaking of this Bread is a commandment.

 

[Kliska]

Hi guys, again, I’m asking a question, not making an argument. I don’t have a dog in the fight, I’m asking for opinions from folks on what it exactly means.

 

[rcwitness]

[BIBLEDRB][/BIBLEDRB]

Hi guys, again, I’m asking a question, not making an argument. I don’t have a dog in the fight, I’m asking for opinions from folks on what it exactly means.

Right. You asked if it may mean remaining in a denomination. That’s gonna get a reaction here.

But hope I didn’t seem argumentative. It’s a fine question.

 

[Kliska]

[BIBLEDRB][/BIBLEDRB]Right. You asked if it may mean remaining in a denomination. That’s gonna get a reaction here.

But hope I didn’t seem argumentative. It’s a fine question.

No, I just am not interested in defending a certain position as I don’t have a position to defend. I also realize most questions aren’t real questions around here, but rather rhetorical, so I just wanted to clarify I am indeed actually asking.

 

[rcwitness]

No, I just am not interested in defending a certain position as I don’t have a position to defend. I also realize most questions aren’t real questions around here, but rather rhetorical, so I just wanted to clarify I am indeed actually asking.

I think it’s a good question and genuine on your behalf.

What is significant, is the meaning of “call”, right?

I take it as meaning the call to believe in the grace of God to be reconciled to Him in Jesus His Son.

The other term to understand is “condition”. This is more relative to your question. What qualifies as Paul’s definition of “condition”? We can only know that his examples of “being (un)circumcised, a slave/free man, and married/single” are what he means, for certain.

The main condition of the chapter is marriage. He addresses marriage, divorce, and remarriage with more detail than anywhere else in Scripture.

As for our “calling”, it is the Father who beckons us to come to His Son. There, in His Son, we will find His commandments. This is our whole duty; to keep the commandments of Jesus. We are not called into a denomination, but into the Communion and fellowship of Jesus Himself. All other “conditions” we are under are open to our own choice.