1 Corinthians 7:20

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Let {G3306} every man {G1538} abide {G3306} in {G1722} the same {G5026} calling {G2821} wherein {G1722}{G3739} he was called {G2564}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Each person should remain in the condition he was in when he was called.

Berean Standard Bible

Each one should remain in the situation he was in when he was called.

American Standard Version

Let each man abide in that calling wherein he was called.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Corinthians 7:20 encapsulates a pivotal principle from Paul's instruction to the Corinthian church: believers should generally remain in the social or personal condition they were in when they were called to faith in Christ. This verse emphasizes that one's spiritual identity and standing in God's kingdom far transcend any external worldly status, promoting contentment, stability, and a focus on the transformative power of the Gospel regardless of one's circumstances.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's extensive discussion in [1 Corinthians 7](/1_corinthians/7 "1 Corinthians 7 - Instructions on Marriage, Singleness, and Social Status"), where he addresses various questions from the Corinthian believers regarding marriage, singleness, divorce, and social status. Paul's overarching counsel in this chapter often leans towards maintaining one's current state, whether married or single, circumcised or uncircumcised, slave or free. Specifically, [1 Corinthians 7:17-24](/1_corinthians/7-17-24 "1 Corinthians 7:17-24 - Paul's General Principle on Remaining in One's Calling") serves as a general principle, with verse 20 acting as a concise summary of this broader directive. Paul's aim is to prevent unnecessary social upheaval among new converts and to underscore that external conditions are secondary to one's new life in Christ.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan port city, characterized by diverse populations, social stratification, and a blend of Greek, Roman, and Eastern cultures. Within this society, issues like slavery, social mobility, and religious identity (e.g., circumcision for Jews) were significant. Early Christian communities in such environments faced unique challenges, as conversion often meant a radical shift in worldview and priorities. Paul's advice in [1 Corinthians 7](/1_corinthians/7 "1 Corinthians 7 - Paul's Advice to the Corinthians") sought to guide believers on how to live out their new faith in Christ without causing undue disruption to the social fabric, which could potentially hinder the spread of the Gospel. He aimed to show that one's status in Christ superseded any earthly designation, providing a foundation for unity and purpose amidst societal distinctions.
* **Key Themes:** The verse contributes to several key themes prevalent in [1 Corinthians](/1_corinthians "The Book of 1 Corinthians - Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians"). Foremost is the theme of **Christian Liberty and Responsibility**, where Paul clarifies how freedom in Christ should be exercised without causing offense or stumbling. It also strongly emphasizes **Spiritual Equality in Christ**, echoing sentiments found in [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Distinction in Christ") that in Christ, there is neither Jew nor Gentile, slave nor free, male nor female. The concept of **Contentment and Identity in Christ** is paramount, encouraging believers to find their worth and purpose not in external circumstances but in their divine calling. Finally, it touches on the theme of **Prioritizing the Gospel**, suggesting that believers should live in a way that does not distract from or discredit the message of salvation, but rather demonstrates its sufficiency in every life situation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **abide (Greek, _ménō'_):** This word signifies to stay, remain, continue, or endure in a given place, state, or relation. In the context of [1 Corinthians 7:20](/1_corinthians/7-20 "1 Corinthians 7:20 - Abide in Your Calling"), it conveys the idea of remaining stable and content in one's existing social or personal condition rather than actively seeking to change it upon conversion. It implies a settledness and perseverance in the circumstances where one was found by God.
* **calling (Greek, _klēsis'_):** Derived from the verb "to call," this term refers to an invitation or, figuratively, a "calling." In this verse, it does not primarily denote a spiritual vocation (like a call to ministry) but rather the specific social, marital, or personal status a person occupied at the moment of their conversion to Christianity. This could include being circumcised or uncircumcised, married or single, slave or free. It refers to the "state" or "condition" in which one was called.
* **called (Greek, _kaléō'_):** This verb means "to call," often aloud, and is used in a variety of applications, including the divine summons to salvation. Here, it specifically refers to the moment or process by which an individual was brought into a relationship with Christ. The emphasis is on God's initiative in summoning a person to faith, and the "calling" (klēsis) is the resulting state or condition in which that divine summons occurred.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let every man abide":** This is a direct command or exhortation from Paul, indicating a general principle for all believers. The verb "abide" (ménō) suggests a posture of remaining, continuing, or staying put in one's current situation. It emphasizes stability and contentment rather than immediate, radical social change upon conversion.
* **"in the same calling":** This phrase clarifies what believers are to "abide" in. "Calling" (klēsis) here refers not to a spiritual vocation but to the social, marital, or civil status a person held at the time of their conversion. This includes whether they were circumcised or uncircumcised, married or single, slave or free, as discussed in the surrounding verses of [1 Corinthians 7](/1_corinthians/7 "1 Corinthians 7 - Paul's Counsel on Christian Living").
* **"wherein he was called":** This clause specifies the point of reference for the "calling." It ties the "calling" (klēsis) directly to the moment of one's conversion to Christ. The implication is that the transformative power of the Gospel is not dependent on altering one's external social status, but rather on an internal spiritual transformation that transcends all worldly distinctions.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs **Repetition** and a **Didactic Tone** in [1 Corinthians 7:20](/1_corinthians/7-20 "1 Corinthians 7:20 - Abide in Your Calling") to reinforce his central message. The repeated use of "calling" (klēsis) and "called" (kaléō) within the verse itself, and echoing throughout [1 Corinthians 7:17-24](/1_corinthians/7-17-24 "1 Corinthians 7:17-24 - Paul's General Principle") creates a strong emphasis on the divine summons to salvation as the defining factor in a believer's life, overshadowing any earthly status. This **Emphasis** underscores the theological point that one's identity in Christ is paramount. The direct, authoritative language ("Let every man abide") establishes a clear **Didactic Tone**, characteristic of Paul's instructional epistles, guiding the Corinthian believers toward practical wisdom for Christian living in a complex society.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The theological thrust of [1 Corinthians 7:20](/1_corinthians/7-20 "1 Corinthians 7:20 - Abide in Your Calling") is profound, emphasizing that true spiritual transformation and identity are found in one's relationship with God through Christ, not in external social or cultural markers. Paul's counsel encourages a radical reorientation of values, where the "calling" to salvation becomes the ultimate determinant of one's worth and purpose. This principle fosters contentment and stability, suggesting that believers can honor God and serve His kingdom effectively in any legitimate circumstance, as their true citizenship is heavenly. It challenges the human tendency to seek validation or significance through worldly achievements or social status, redirecting focus to the sufficiency of Christ and the spiritual freedom found in Him.

* [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Distinction in Christ")
* [Colossians 3:11](/colossians/3-11 "Colossians 3:11 - Christ is All")
* [Philippians 4:11-13](/philippians/4-11-13 "Philippians 4:11-13 - Contentment in All Circumstances")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First Corinthians 7:20 offers timeless wisdom for contemporary believers, challenging us to re-evaluate our priorities and sources of contentment. In a world that constantly pressures us to achieve, acquire, and ascend social ladders, this verse calls us to find our deepest satisfaction and purpose in our identity as those "called" by God. It does not advocate for stagnation or discourage legitimate personal or professional growth, but rather encourages us to approach our current circumstances—our jobs, relationships, social standing, and life stages—as opportunities to honor God and bear witness to His transforming power. Our primary "calling" is to live for Christ, and this can be faithfully accomplished wherever we are, turning every legitimate sphere of life into a mission field. This perspective frees us from the anxiety of constantly striving for external validation, allowing us to serve God wholeheartedly and joyfully in the present.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I seek validation or significance from my external circumstances (job, status, possessions) rather than my identity in Christ?**
* **How can I more intentionally "abide" and honor God in my current social or professional "calling" today?**
* **What anxieties or desires for change might be distracting me from faithfully serving God where I am currently placed?**

### FAQ
**Does 1 Corinthians 7:20 mean I should never change my job, marital status, or social position after becoming a Christian?**

Answer: No, the verse does not imply absolute stagnation or forbid all change. Paul's primary intent is to emphasize that one's spiritual standing in Christ is paramount and transcends any external social or personal condition. He is countering the idea that conversion necessitates an immediate, radical upheaval of one's life circumstances to be truly spiritual. For instance, in [1 Corinthians 7:21](/1_corinthians/7-21 "1 Corinthians 7:21 - Advice to Slaves"), Paul advises slaves to remain in their condition but also adds, "but if you can gain your freedom, do so." This demonstrates that while contentment in one's current state is encouraged, legitimate opportunities for positive, God-honoring change are not forbidden. The core message is about finding contentment and purpose in Christ regardless of external circumstances, and prioritizing one's spiritual identity over worldly distinctions.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [1 Corinthians 7:20](/1_corinthians/7-20 "1 Corinthians 7:20 - Abide in Your Calling") directly addresses the social and personal "calling" of believers, its deeper fulfillment is found in Christ, who is the ultimate "Caller" and the essence of our new "calling." Jesus Himself exemplified perfect contentment and faithfulness within His earthly circumstances, fulfilling His Father's will even unto death on the cross, demonstrating that true purpose is found in obedience to God's divine call, not in worldly status or comfort (cf. [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility")). Our "calling" to salvation is fundamentally a call into fellowship with Jesus Christ, as [1 Corinthians 1:9](/1_corinthians/1-9 "1 Corinthians 1:9 - God's Faithfulness") declares, "God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord." Therefore, abiding in our calling means abiding in Christ, recognizing that our identity, worth, and purpose are eternally secured in Him, making any earthly condition secondary. He transforms our circumstances from within, enabling us to live out our faith and bear witness to His kingdom, regardless of our external status, because He is "all, and in all" ([Colossians 3:11](/colossians/3-11 "Colossians 3:11 - Christ is All")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.

1 Thessalonians 4:11

And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;

Proverbs 27:8

¶ As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so [is] a man that wandereth from his place.

1 Corinthians 7:21

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

1 Corinthians 7:24

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

2 Thessalonians 3:12

Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.

Luke 3:10

And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then?