1 Corinthians 7:21

Wast thou called being. bondservant? Care not for it: nay, even if thou canst become free, use it rather.

'The central and important issue with Paul was not the external circumstances, but one's response to the call of God. (No one..ever believed that Paul was saying we could abide in the calling of God while abiding in some vile relationship). Paul is not saying: "Is your calling to slavery?" He did say: "Where you called (while) being. bondservant?" Well, then, while you are. slave, walk as one called by God. Slavery doesn't prevent you from living like Christ.' (McGuiggan p. 110)

'Care not for it' -'Do not worry about it' (NASV); 'Let it not trouble thee!' (Lenski p. 302) 'Stop letting that annoy you.' (Wms) 'Don't let your social condition be. concern to you.' (Fee p. 316)

What Paul is saying, 'There is no dishonor in being. slave', being. slave doesn't make you an inferior Christian. You can serve God effectively and be. slave all at the same time.

'He tells them not to let it be. source of anxiety to them that they are slaves. Never mind! he says, because you can serve God in that position.' (McGuiggan p. 111)

Modern Application:

Too many of us live "in the future". We convince ourselves, 'I could really serve God if only...I had. bigger home to entertain Christians in... more money and could help more people... was married... was single...etc...' Paul shatters our illusions. Paul says, you can serve God just fine in your present social condition. Jesus gave. similar principle (Luke 16:10 'He who is faithful in. very little thing is faithful also in much..')

'nay, even if thou canst become free, use it rather' -'but if you are able also to become free, rather do that.' (NASV)

'Slaves were legally freed in various ways, sometimes even without their consent as by. master's death and testament. This automatically set the slave free. Slaves were also freed by. master's generosity or as gratitude in reward for notable service.' (Lenski p. 303)

'use it rather' -there is quite. bit of debate in commentaries concerning "what" the slave is to use. Some argue that "it" refers to slavery, i.e. 'Even if you can gain your freedom, make the most of your present condition instead.' (Gspd) But seeing that Paul allows virgins to marry (change their condition) (1 Corinthians 7:28), it doesn't make sense that Paul would forbid. slave to accept an offer of freedom. Rather Paul is saying, 'if you gain your freedom, then use it to serve Christ.'

What. lesson there is here for us. If you happen to become successful in business, get married, have. family, etc..then use that condition to serve God in!"From this and other verses, we can see how little Christianity became involved in the social issues of the first century. Christianity was designed to save men and women from sin; it was not designed to make this earth. utopia. The influence of Christianity on social matters occurred incidentally. Christianity changes men through the gospel to make their character what God desires it to be. As these men permeate the society, social changes are inevitable. Rather than the church becoming involved in politics, it should be concerned with converting the politicians!' (Willis p. 240)