1 Corinthians 7:17-19
What is written? (ESV)
Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. This is my rule in all the churches. Was anyone at the time of his call already circumcised? Let him not seek to remove the marks of circumcision. Was anyone at the time of his call uncircumcised? Let him not seek circumcision. For neither circumcision counts for anything nor uncircumcision, but keeping the commandments of God.
What does it say?
Let every one lead the life that God has granted them and to which God called them. This is my [Paul] standard in all the churches. If you were circumcised at the time of your conversion, remain so. Don’t attempt to hide it. If you were uncircumcised at the time you became a child of God, don’t become circumcised. These physical states mean nothing, but only now that you keep the commandments of God.
What is its immediate context?
Paul is emphasizing the ‘higher calling’ of Christians, over and above whatever their calling in life might be. He goes on to use an example of a slave as well. His main point is “in whatever condition each was called, there let him remain with God” (vs 24).
How 1 Corinthians 7:17-19 is applied across Bible answers
Is there an inward call of God?
Based on the context, Paul is talking here about one's vocation or circumstance in life (in physical terms). That is what "God has called him" to in life. He then compares that to one's spiritual calling (e.g. "the time of his call"). Restated, Paul is saying that whatever one's station in life is at the time of his conversion is secondary to one's new calling as a Christian. The only thing that really matters now is that they remain obedient to God's commandments.
Paul goes on to give another example of a slave and says that if you can become a freedman, then that's great (vs 21), but ultimately, given your new, higher calling, make sure to "remain with God" (vs 24).
