Paul urged the Corinthians to remain in the social position they were in at the time of the
conversion to Christianity. As an illustration Paul uses the circumcised Jew becoming
uncircumcised (a surgery called epispasm discussed by Celsus in De Medicina, a medical essay from 50 BC) in order to fit into Gentile culture. (1 Corinthians 7:17) Paul also mentions a Gentile becoming circumcised and a slave striving to gain his freedom (1 Corinthians 7:21-24) to make
some kind of social adjustment or career change.
Paul is encouraging the Corinthians to live out their Christian lives and fulfill their Christian
service in the career position and social status “they were in when God called them.”
There is nothing wrong in switching careers and social status as Paul says in 1 Corinthians 7:21
in regard to slaves gaining their freedom: “although if you can gain your freedom, do so.” But,
altering your social status or career is not necessary to either live the Christian life that is pleasing to God or fulfill your ministry that God has called you to. In fact, the reason you have the career and the social status you now have is because this is where God wants you to be. It, then, is your responsibility to mature and serve right where you are at in life:
“Brothers and sisters, each person, as responsible to God, should remain in the situation they were in when God called them.” – First Corinthians 7:24
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