1 Corinthians 7:17

¶ But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches.

But {G1508} as {G5613} God {G2316} hath distributed {G3307} to every man {G1538}, as {G5613} the Lord {G2962} hath called {G2564} every one {G1538}, so {G3779} let him walk {G4043}. And {G2532} so {G3779} ordain I {G1299} in {G1722} all {G3956} churches {G1577}.

Only let each person live the life the Lord has assigned him and live it in the condition he was in when God called him. This is the rule I lay down in all the congregations.

Regardless, each one should lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him and to which God has called him. This is what I prescribe in all the churches.

Only, as the Lord hath distributed to each man, as God hath called each, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all the churches.

Commentary

Context of 1 Corinthians 7:17

This verse serves as a pivotal principle within 1 Corinthians chapter 7, which primarily addresses questions concerning marriage, singleness, and divorce within the early Christian community in Corinth. Paul is responding to specific inquiries from the church (as indicated in 1 Corinthians 7:1). While the preceding verses discuss the marital duties of believers and the complex situations of mixed-faith marriages, verse 17 broadens the scope, offering a general directive that applies not just to marital status but to all aspects of a believer's life circumstances at the time of their conversion.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Sovereignty and Distribution: The phrase "as God hath distributed to every man" emphasizes God's providential hand in assigning each person's life circumstances, including their social status, background, and relationships. It suggests an acceptance of one's given lot as part of God's design.
  • The Nature of Christian Calling: "as the Lord hath called every one" refers to the spiritual calling to salvation through Christ. Paul asserts that this spiritual transformation does not necessarily demand an immediate change in one's external social or marital status. The focus shifts from external circumstances to internal spiritual reality.
  • Contentment in One's State: The directive "so let him walk" is a call to live out one's Christian faith faithfully within the existing circumstances where they were called. This principle encourages believers to find contentment and purpose in their current situation, rather than viewing conversion as a mandate to drastically alter their social standing or relationships, unless sinful. This idea is further explored in 1 Corinthians 7:20.
  • Universal Christian Principle: Paul's concluding statement, "And so ordain I in all churches," underscores that this is not merely advice for the Corinthians but a universal principle for all Christian communities. It highlights Paul's apostolic authority and the broad applicability of his teaching.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "distributed" (μεμέρισται - memeristai) is a perfect passive indicative, implying that God has already acted and continues to act in assigning each person's portion or lot in life. The word for "called" (κέκληκεν - kekleken) is also a perfect active indicative, pointing to God's completed and ongoing effectual call to salvation. The verb "walk" (περιπατείτω - peripateito) is an imperative, meaning "let him walk," and is often used metaphorically in the New Testament to describe one's conduct or manner of life.

Practical Application

1 Corinthians 7:17 offers timeless wisdom for believers today. It teaches that our primary identity is in Christ, and our spiritual calling transcends our social or economic status. It encourages believers to:

  • Embrace their current circumstances: Rather than constantly striving for external changes, focus on living out Christian values and witness right where God has placed you.
  • Seek spiritual transformation over social revolution: While Christianity brings societal change, it primarily transforms individuals from the inside out, allowing them to glorify God in any legitimate vocation or status.
  • Find contentment: This verse fosters a spirit of contentment and trust in God's providence, reminding us that God works all things for good for those who love Him (Romans 8:28).
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Cross-References

  • 1 Corinthians 4:17 (9 votes)

    ¶ For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.

  • 1 Corinthians 7:24 (7 votes)

    Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God.

  • Romans 12:3 (7 votes)

    For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think [of himself] more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

  • Romans 12:8 (7 votes)

    Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, [let him do it] with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

  • 2 Corinthians 8:18 (6 votes)

    And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise [is] in the gospel throughout all the churches;

  • 1 Corinthians 7:20 (6 votes)

    Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called.

  • 1 Corinthians 7:21 (6 votes)

    Art thou called [being] a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use [it] rather.