Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary

1 Corinthians 7:21

μή σοι μελέτω. Trouble not thyself about it.

μᾶλλον χρῆσαι. This may either be interpreted (1) ‘use freedom,’ or (2) ‘use slavery.’ Dean Stanley remarks of this passage that its interpretation ‘is one of the most evenly balanced questions in the New Testament.’ But the context, the position of the word καὶ in the former part of the sentence (its literal translation would seem to be but even if thou canst be made free), and the fact that the word translated use has often the sense undergo, endure (for examples see Dean Alford’s note), make it probable that the second is the correct interpretation, and that the slave is here instructed as a rule to refuse freedom if offered. ‘If when you were called you were a slave, do not let it trouble you, and even if you have the chance of becoming free, do not jump at it.’ And the strongest objection to this interpretation, namely, that Christianity has always allowed men to occupy a position of more extended usefulness if offered to them, is obviated by the fact that St Paul does not absolutely forbid his converts to accept liberty; he merely instructs them to prefer to remain in the condition in which they were called, unless some very strong indication of God’s will bade them leave it, such as was manifested in the case of Onesimus. See Ep. to Philemon. The doctrine of Christian liberty was intended to make men free in, not from, the responsibilities of their position. But as St Peter reminds us (1 Peter 2:16; 2 Peter 2:19) the doctrine of Christian liberty could be abused. It was abused when it induced among the newly-converted a restlessness and dissatisfaction with their lot, which would have rendered Christianity a source, not of peace, but of confusion (cf. 1 Corinthians 7:15, and ch. 1 Corinthians 14:33). See the whole question discussed in the Introduction to Bishop Lightfoot’s Commentary on the Epistle to Philemon.

Continues after advertising

BibliaPlus

Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary

1 Corinthians 7:21

Old Testament

New Testament