John Calvin Commentary 1 Corinthians 7:23

"Ye were bought with a price; become not bondservants of men." — 1 Corinthians 7:23 (ASV)

You are bought with a price. We had these words in the preceding chapter (1 Corinthians 6:20), but for a different purpose. Regarding the word price, I have stated there what my view of it is. The sum is this: he exhorts servants, indeed, not to be anxious about their condition, but wishes them rather to be careful not to subject themselves to the wicked or depraved inclinations of their masters.

We are holy to the Lord because he has redeemed us; therefore, let us not defile ourselves for the sake of men, as we do when we are subject to their corrupt desires. This admonition was very necessary at that time, when servants were driven by threats and beatings, and even fear of death, to obey every kind of command without selection or exception. Consequently, they considered the procuring of prostitutes and other crimes of that nature to be duties belonging to servants, equally with honorable employments.

It is, therefore, not without reason that Paul makes this exception — that they are not to yield obedience in things base and wicked. If only this were thoroughly and entirely impressed upon the minds of all! In that case, there would not be so many who prostitute themselves to the lusts of men, as if exposed for sale. As for us, let us bear in mind that we belong to him who has redeemed us.