1 Corinthians 7:20, Every Man Abide Wherein He was Called

1 Corinthians 7:20 Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called.

Hendriksen observed well, “Paul’s emphasis is on the words calling and called, which relate to spiritual rebirth through God’s Word and Spirit. And calling refers to one’s situation in life. This spiritual rebirth is not merely a vertical link between God and man but also a horizontal relation that extends from a person’s place in life to his or her fellow men. A calling can be understood as a position or a vocation in which a believer lives in obedience to God’s precepts. Paul is saying that “everyone is to remain in the station in which he found himself when he was called.””

He cites this example, “For instance, a bookkeeper who converts to Christianity should not feel that he can no longer function as a bookkeeper because of his faith. Paul instructs every convert to stay where God has placed him or her in life and not to change occupation. He is saying: “Fulfill Christ’s demands in the place where you were when God called you.””¹

Christian values imparted from God’s Word equips us to live this life of faith as we fulfilling our calling in life. As such, the Christian husband or wife is given the wisdom from God’s Word how to do well as a husband or wife for God’s honour and glory. The Christian is given the wherewithal to prosper in every vocation and situation in life through God’s Word and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

¹Kistemaker, S. J., & Hendriksen, W. (1953–2001). Exposition of the First Epistle to the Corinthians (Vol. 18, pp. 231–232). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.