First Corinthians Chapter 7:17-40
Outline: I.
Calling and status: 7:17-24
II.
Concerning virgins: 7:25-38
III.
Concerning widows: 7:39-40
“Here Paul lays down one of the first rules of Christianity, ‘Be a Christian where you are.’ It must often have happened that when a man became a Christian he would have liked to break away from his job, and from the circle in which he moved, and begin a new life. But Paul insisted that the function of Christianity was not to give a man a new life, but to make his old life new”. 1 “A man or woman's social status is of minor importance; what matters is the fact that one has been called by God into His fellowship and service (1:9). To this calling the believer should remain faithful whatever his state of life may be. Concern to change one's status could absorb energies which might be more profitably devoted to Christian life and service”. 2 “As a summary rule for all things of a smaller nature, the apostle says that each man must rest 1
Barclay p. 72
2
F.F. Bruce p. 71 1