John Calvin Commentary 1 Corinthians 7:20

"Let each man abide in that calling wherein he was called." — 1 Corinthians 7:20 (ASV)

Every man in the calling in which. This is the source from which other things are derived: that everyone should be content with his calling and pursue it, instead of seeking to turn to anything else. A calling in Scripture means a lawful way of life, for it relates to God as calling us, lest anyone abuse this statement to justify ways of life that are clearly wicked or vicious.

But here it is asked whether Paul means to establish any obligation, for it might seem as if the words conveyed this idea: that everyone is bound to his calling, so that he must not abandon it. Now, it would be a very hard thing if a tailor were not free to learn another trade, or if a merchant were not free to take up farming.

I answer that this is not what the Apostle intends, for his simple aim is to correct that inconsiderate eagerness which prompts some to change their condition without any proper reason, whether they do it from superstition or from any other motive. Furthermore, he also calls everyone to this rule: that they keep in mind what is suitable to their calling. He does not, therefore, impose on anyone the necessity of continuing in the kind of life which he has once taken up, but rather condemns that restlessness which prevents an individual from remaining in his condition with a peaceful mind; and he exhorts that everyone stick to his trade, as the old proverb goes.