1 Corinthians 7:21, Called Being a Servant

1 Corinthians 7:21 Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather.

The Apostle Paul addresses those who servants or literally slaves. Were you a slave when you were called, let that not bother you.¹ Upon conversion, they may not feel dismayed for who they are in their lowly occupation. But Christ accord them the same privilege whatever their social status. The beggar Lazarus did not have the good things in this life. He ate from the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table. But he was a believer. When he died, he went to heaven. He was comforted in Abraham’s bosom.

However, human speaking, a slave would hope to be freed so that he may have freedom to live his life and freely share the gospel. It may not be the case for many a slave at that time. There are many slaves throughout the Roman Empire. As a slave, he can still reach out and be a witness for the Lord in his community. The principle is that our conversion does not mean we leave the social environment that we are in before our conversion. Rather, we are to acknowledge that we are a Christian by spiritual birth and we exercise our spiritual liberty to live out the Christian faith whatever our vocation.

May God bless His people to be good witnesses for Him wherever God would place them in life. Amen.

¹Kistemaker, S. J., & Hendriksen, W. (1953–2001). Exposition of the First Epistle to the Corinthians (Vol. 18, p. 232). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.