Tim Maas Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

In my opinion, Paul is saying here that Christians do not need to make changes to the earthly or external status or characteristics (as opposed to the person's inner or spiritual status) in which they exist at the time that they become Christians in order to remain acceptable in God's eyes..

Earthly nationalities (such as Greeks, Romans, or Jews) and social classes (such as free individuals and slaves), or the bearing (or not bearing) of physical traits characterizing particular religions (with specific reference to the Jewish requirement for males to be circumcised), have no effect on the acceptability to God of people who have repented of their sin, and have placed their faith in Jesus' atoning death and resurrection for forgiveness, salvation, and eternal life.

At the same time, however, Paul noted that this did not mean (in the case (for example) of those who had been slaves at the time that they became Christians) that they should not take advantage of the possibility of gaining their freedom, if the opportunity arose.

May 11 2019 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Al Mark

Paul was addressing what people thought they should do when they became believers - whether married, widows, single, have unbelieving spouses, were circumcised, slaves or free. These were outward circumstances, and were not as important as keeping God's commands (v19). I think that what he was saying was that you should focus on doing the things that build up the spiritual condition and not worry so much about the earthly condition. The world pursues status and riches and relationships with the powerful and famous, but Paul advocated being content in your station in life so that you can be fully devoted to the Lord (v35). The world values ambition, but this comes with a cost of time, focus, and energy, which should be weighed against spending it for the Lord.

December 14 2019 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report