Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.
Read it in contextRemain faithful in one's calling
Start reading at 1 Corinthians 7:17 (1 Corinthians 7:17 to 1 Corinthians 7:24).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Examples concerning circumcision and servitude emphasize serving God in one's present calling rather than treating a change of status as the essence of faithfulness.
7:17But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches.
7:18Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised.
7:19Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.
7:20Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called.
7:21Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather.
7:22For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant.
7:23Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.
7:24Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle is the principal author; Sosthenes is named with him in the greeting. Biblical references: 1 Corinthians 1:1. stated in the text
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (1 Corinthians 7:1–7:40): Paul answers the Corinthians' questions about marriage, addressing married, unmarried, widowed, and other circumstances in turn. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? The church of God at Corinth, with all who call on Jesus Christ as Lord. Paul addresses an existing congregation, including members with a Gentile past. Biblical references: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 12:2. stated in the text
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? Remain faithful in one's calling. Read 1 Corinthians 7:17 through 1 Corinthians 7:24 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? Examples concerning circumcision and servitude emphasize serving God in one's present calling rather than treating a change of status as the essence of faithfulness. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? Paul addresses current reports and questions from Corinth and discusses planned travel. The letter does not provide a calendar date; 1 Corinthians 16:8 names Ephesus in his plans. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? The church addressed is in Corinth. Ephesus is named in Paul's intended stay, while the discussion also recalls Israel's wilderness and other settings. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in Remain faithful in one's calling (1 Corinthians 7:17 to 1 Corinthians 7:24).
Start reading at 1 Corinthians 7:17. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Paul centers the message on Christ crucified and risen and describes the church's life in relation to Him. The resurrection discussion is essential to the letter's account of Christian hope. See 1 Corinthians 1:23, 1 Corinthians 12:27, 1 Corinthians 15:3, 1 Corinthians 15:4. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Let worship, spiritual gifts, liberty, and conduct serve love and the edification of others. Read corrections in light of the specific problems being addressed and retain the warnings against falling. interpretation
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
1 Corinthians 7
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul addresses the church of God at Corinth, described as sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be saints. He corrects divisions, conduct, and worship within that church; promises about gifts and identity do not cancel his warnings or commands.
Connection to the wholePaul addresses marriage, temporary abstinence, separation, and mixed-belief households while carefully distinguishing the circumstances under discussion.
Connection to the wholeExamples concerning circumcision and servitude emphasize serving God in one's present calling rather than treating a change of status as the essence of faithfulness.
Connection to the wholePaul offers counsel about marriage and singleness with attention to present distress and undistracted service, preserving his distinctions between command and judgment.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
1 Corinthians
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul addresses the church of God at Corinth, described as sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be saints. He corrects divisions, conduct, and worship within that church; promises about gifts and identity do not cancel his warnings or commands.
Connection to the wholePaul confronts party loyalty by directing the church to Christ crucified and by redefining ministers as servants accountable to God.
Connection to the wholePaul answers questions about marriage and differing circumstances, distinguishing commands, permission, and his judgments within the discussion.
Connection to the wholeQuestions about idol food lead through Paul's own example to warnings from Israel and the command to flee idolatry while seeking others' benefit.
Connection to the wholePaul answers denial of resurrection by joining the risen Christ with the future resurrection and transformation of those who belong to Him.
Connection to the wholePractical arrangements, commendations, and final exhortations connect the corrected church with the wider fellowship of believers.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.