Matthew Henry Commentary


Matthew Henry Commentary
"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. Was any man called being circumcised? Let him not become uncircumcised. Hath any been called in uncircumcision? Let him not be circumcised. Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing; but the keeping of the commandments of God. Let each man abide in that calling wherein he was called. Wast thou called being a bondservant? Care not for it: nay, even if thou canst become free, use [it] rather. For he that was called in the Lord being a bondservant, is the Lord`s freedman: likewise he that was called being free, is Christ`s bondservant. Ye were bought with a price; become not bondservants of men. Brethren, let each man, wherein he was called, therein abide with God." — 1 Corinthians 7:17-24 (ASV)
The rules of Christianity reach every condition. In every station of life, a person may live so as to be a credit to it. It is the duty of every Christian to be content with their circumstances and to conduct themselves in their rank and place as is fitting for a Christian. Our comfort and happiness depend on what we are to Christ, not what we are in the world. No one should think to make their faith or religion an argument to break through any natural or civil obligations. They should quietly and contentedly abide in the condition in which they are placed by Divine Providence.