1 Corinthians 7:17-19 (WEL) But only as God allotted to everyone, as the Lord has called everyone, so let them live their lives. So, I have stipulated in all the congregations. 18 Is any man called [being] already circumcised? He shouldn’t become uncircumcised. Is any man called while uncircumcised? He shouldn’t become circumcised. 19 Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing. The obeying of God’s commands [is everything].
V17 But only as God allotted to everyone, as the Lord has called everyone, so let them live their lives. So, I have stipulated in all the congregations.
Every situation is different, so seek God’s will and guidance. This is a contrast and further development of the previous instructions. The above rules are a principle, not the solution for every desire. If your wife or husband is not a believer and wants to stay, then so be it. Don’t sin by thinking, “Ah, I have an excuse to get rid of her/him.”
Robertson’s Word Pictures: “He is not to seek a rupture of the marriage relation if the unbeliever does not ask for it.”
Pulpit commentary: “The rule is that the circumstances of our lives are regulated by the providence of God, and must not be arbitrarily altered at our own caprice. Christ allotted his portion to each Christian, God hath called each man; that lot and that call are to guide his life.”
JFB: “The heavenly calling does not set aside our earthly callings, as the marriage relation. Christianity can maintain itself in all outward relations, without requiring us to forsake them.”
V18 Is any man called [being] already circumcised? He shouldn’t become uncircumcised. Is any man called while uncircumcised? He shouldn’t become circumcised.
Paul did circumcise Timothy as a testimony to the Jews.
Compare JFB: “The circumcision of Timothy, before being taken into this missionary party, was an indispensable step. For if the mere report that Paul at a later period had brought a Greek into the temple occasioned an uproar in Jerusalem, and endangered the apostle’s life (Acts 21:27-31), how could he expect to make any progress in this missionary tour to preach Christ – “to the Jew first,” and only after that to the Gentiles—if his principal assistant and constant companion had not been a circumcised person? On the one hand, in refusing to compel Titus to be circumcised, at the mere bidding of Judaizing Christians, as necessary to salvation (Galatians 2:3), he only vindicated “the truth of the Gospel” (Galatians 2:5): in circumcising Timothy, on the other hand, “to the Jews he became as a Jew, that he might gain the Jews.” It is probable that the ordination of Timothy (1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6) took place now; and as it was done “before many witnesses” (1 Timothy 6:12), it was probably a solemn service, and attracted a considerable concourse.”
V19 Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing. The obeying of God’s commands is everything.
Physical characteristics have no influence on one’s spiritual life. It was demanded, as a sign and covenant, to the nation of Israel. It is not part of the Gospel. Obedience for the Christian is a desire to obey, not obeying in fear or mindlessly.
We learn:
- A principle of living with an unbeliever.
- Whether one is circumcised or not has no bearing on one’s spiritual condition.
Questions:
- How can we apply this principle to other situations?
- How would you explain this principle to a Jew?