But as God has distributed to each one, as the Lord has called each one, so let him walk. And so I ordain in all the churches. Was anyone called while circumcised? Let him not become uncircumcised. Was anyone called while uncircumcised? Let him not be circumcised. Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing, but keeping the commandments of God is what matters. Let each one remain in the same calling in which he was called. Were you called while a slave? Do not be concerned about it; but if you can be made free, rather use it. For he who is called in the Lord while a slave is the Lord’s freedman. Likewise he who is called while free is Christ’s slave. You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men. Brethren, let each one remain with God in that state in which he was called. (1 Co 7:17–24).
Were you a Jew?
Many years ago, during a visit to a church in Edmonton, a woman who regularly attended mentioned her Jewish background. In response, another person asked, "When did you convert to Christianity?" Her reply was truly memorable; she boldly proclaimed, "I am not a Christian; I am a believing Jew!"
While some may perceive this statement as startling or possibly offensive, it captures the heart of our current inquiry. For this individual in Edmonton, believing that Jesus was the Messiah didn't entail forsaking her culture or family heritage. Instead, it meant recognizing Jesus Christ as the promised Messiah and placing her faith in him, embracing his kingdom and its principles for living.
When Paul raises the question, "Was anyone called while circumcised?" and employs the terms "circumcised" or "circumcision," particularly with the definite article "the," as in "the circumcision," there's no ambiguity; he is referencing being a Jew. He maintains this consistency throughout his letters. Let us reflect on the following
passages.
"Since there is one God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith." Romans 3:30
"As many as desire to make a good showing in the flesh, these would compel you to be circumcised, only that they may not suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. For not even those who are circumcised keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh." Galatians 6:12-13
“Was anyone called while circumcised? Let him not become uncircumcised.” Please note that becoming uncircumcised is clearly an impossible task. So, plainly, Paul saying, if you were a Jew when you came to Christ, stay a Jew.
The essence of this passage is to emphasize that being in Christ doesn't imply a complete rejection of our cultural background. Rather, it signifies becoming a follower of Christ within our cultural context. Why? To illuminate the culture with the transformative light of the gospel.
Since the gospel was initially intended for the "Jew," they found themselves in a unique position. Jesus' words indicated that all of their scriptures pointed to him. Consequently, Paul and numerous Jews of the first century witnessed centuries of mysteries unraveling before their eyes. The concealed truths within their beliefs were now unveiled.
The woman's statement in Edmonton was profoundly sensible. She didn't need to forsake her cultural or religious perspectives entirely. In her case, things became more evident. For many believing Jews, a significant internal struggle revolved around the notion that salvation is obtained solely through faith, independent of adherence to the Law.
Were you a Gentile?
This event occurred many years ago, and times have since undergone significant change. Nowadays, very few Christians would expect a Jewish person, according to popular definitions, to abandon their Jewish identity in order to have faith in Christ. In fact, the present trend is quite the opposite. Many groups and smaller movements assert that to truly embrace Christianity, one must adopt Jewish practices. This is evident in the current Messianic movement, particularly in North America, although such assertions are often conveyed in a more subtle manner rather than stated as boldly here.
We know that one of the challenges in Paul's ministry was contending with a group known as the Circumcision or Judaizers—believing Jews. Based on our understanding of the Bible, this group struggled to believe that someone could embrace faith in Christ without first adhering to Jewish practices. Typically, when Paul would enter a city, he'd visit the synagogue initially, and upon facing rejection, he would proclaim the gospel to the Gentiles in other locations.
Paul's message to the Gentiles was simple: it did not entail becoming Jewish first or following the feasts or legalistic regulations. Rather, it was a straightforward message of placing faith in Christ alone. He frequently countered the Judaizers, highlighting the irony of Jewish believers insisting that Gentile believers follow a law they themselves could not fulfill.
As we can observe, Paul imparts the same guidance to both the Gentiles and the Jews, with the only distinction being that Jews were to embrace Christ as the Messiah and allow their lives to be guided by the Holy Spirit. Paul provided similar counsel to the Gentiles, emphasizing that Jesus Christ was now their Lord, they had experienced a spiritual rebirth, and they were to heed the Holy Spirit's guidance rather than the customs or former religious practices. This stands as a significant distinction in how Jewish individuals and Gentiles of the first century transitioned into the new life of faith in Christ. Nonetheless, the ultimate directive for both Jews and Gentiles was to be led by the Spirit.
Yet, the text is unequivocal in its stance. The apostle is emphatically stating that if you were uncircumcised, remain uncircumcised! Stated plainly this means if you were not a Jew when you came to faith in Christ do not become one.
Were you a slave?
It's important to approach the discussion on slavery cautiously, refraining from superimposing our modern definitions onto the historical context. In the first century, slavery differed significantly from the African slave trade or contemporary forms of slavery. Slavery was prevalent across various societies, including Jews, Greeks, Romans, and others. Slavery often resulted from warfare or served as financial recompense. Individuals could sell themselves into slavery to alleviate debt. The Jews had intricate laws regarding the treatment of their slaves.
Regardless of our feelings about the topic of slavery, we must refrain from misinterpreting the intent of the scriptures. Nowhere in the New Testament do Paul, other apostles, or prophets explicitly command the abolition of slavery.
Concerning the state of slavery, let us grasp Paul's advice to those who were in this condition when they embraced faith in Christ: to remain in their present state.
The message here is that irrespective of our circumstances upon accepting Christ, we should continue there and radiate as beacons of light. This isn't an endorsement to persist in a life of sin. Jewish people and the Jewish nation were known to live in grave sin, a fact affirmed by their prophets. The surrounding nations also dwelled in darkness and idolized God's creations rather than Himself. In both cases, whether Jew or Gentile, the advice remains the same: stay where you are, but flee the darkness and shine brightly as lights.
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