1 Corinthians 7:24

King James Version (KJV)

Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God.

Adam Clarke
Bible Commentary

Let every man - abide with God - Let him live to God in whatsoever station he is placed by Providence. If he be a slave, God will be with him even in his slavery, if he be faithful to the grace which he has received. It is very likely that some of the slaves at Corinth, who had been converted to Christianity, had been led to think that their Christian privileges absolved them from the necessity of continuing slaves; or, at least, brought them on a level with their Christian masters. A spirit of this kind might have soon led to confusion and insubordination, and brought scandals into the Church. It was therefore a very proper subject for the apostle to interfere in; and to his authority, the persons concerned would doubtless respectfully bow.

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Albert Barnes
Notes on the Whole Bible

Brethren … - ; see the note at 1 Corinthians 7:20.

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Matthew Henry
Concise Bible Commentary

The rules of Christianity reach every condition; and in every state a man may live so as to be a credit to it. It is the duty of every Christian to be content with his lot, and to conduct himself in his rank and place as becomes a Christian. Our comfort and happiness depend on what we are to Christ, not what we are in the world. No man should think to make his faith or religion, an argument to break through any natural or civil obligations. He should quietly and contentedly abide in the condition in which he is placed by Divine Providence.

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SDA Bible Commentary (limited)
Volume 1-7

24. Therein abide. This verse repeats the exhortation contained in v. 20. Why is this repetition made? Doubtless to emphasize the fact that Christianity does not seek to overturn or abolish any existing social order. The church of the living God is not placed in the world to disorganize human society, but, on the contrary, to bind it together. Christians may rightly consider that slavery is an evil practice and should not exist among civilized people. But it was permitted by God in His laws for ancient Israel (see Lev. 25:44-46; see on Deut. 14:26). His permission did not always indicate His approval. His permission in divorce was typical: “Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives” (Matt. 19:8). The Christian missionary to heathen lands does not try violently to overthrow established customs and practices when he sees that they are contrary to the teachings of Jesus. He knows that such a course would not advance the cause of truth, but would close the avenue to further missionary effort. The faithful proclamation of the gospel, attended by the power of the Holy Spirit, will work a reformation in the lives of all who accept it, and then there will be seen a change in the social system that will bring it into harmony with truth.

The instruction in this verse should not be looked upon as forbidding the Christian to seek to be delivered from slavery, if he can do so lawfully. It does suggest that he be content to wait for the Lord to guide him in the matter. If the Lord does not see fit to open the way to freedom, then the believing slave should be content to serve the Lord where he is. He is to remember that he can serve God effectually while he is serving his earthly master (see 1 Cor. 7:22). He must not bring scandal to the church by creating the impression among unbelievers that the spirit of Christianity is one of insubordination. All may live out the faith of Jesus at all times, witnessing for Him before all with whom they come in contact, and in that way spreading the knowledge of truth (see SC 81, 82).

With God. The glorious thing about the religion of Jesus Christ is that the believer is not left to walk life’s journey alone. He is accepted into the family of God while here on earth, and has the companionship of heavenly angels and of the Lord Himself (see Matt. 28:20; John 14:16-18, 21; 15:7). Whatever experiences he may be called upon to pass through, he has the comforting knowledge that he is not alone; there is One with him who knows and understands all the problems and heartaches. To all who love and trust Him, the assurance is given that even in the most perplexing situations they will not be left without help (see Isa. 43:2; Heb. 13:5). When the believer realizes this, he will be content to remain in the place assigned to him in life, whatever that may be. When, as a result of fellowship with Jesus, the believer learns to regard his work as primarily that of doing the Lord’s will, and all his possessions as means for more effectively serving Him, then he will enjoy peace of mind and satisfaction that is not known by unbelievers (see Isa. 26:3; John 14:27).

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Ellen G. White
Christ's Object Lessons, 26

And Christ has linked His teaching, not only with the day of rest, but with the week of toil. He has wisdom for him who drives the plow and sows the seed. In the plowing and sowing, the tilling and reaping, He teaches us to see an illustration of His work of grace in the heart. So in every line of useful labor and every association of life, He desires us to find a lesson of divine truth. Then our daily toil will no longer absorb our attention and lead us to forget God; it will continually remind us of our Creator and Redeemer. The thought of God will run like a thread of gold through all our homely cares and occupations. For us the glory of His face will again rest upon the face of nature. We shall ever be learning new lessons of heavenly truth, and growing into the image of His purity. Thus shall we “be taught of the Lord”; and in the lot wherein we are called, we shall “abide with God.” Isaiah 54:13; 1 Corinthians 7:24. COL 26.1

This chapter is based on Matthew 13:1-9; Matthew 13:18-23; Mark 4:1-20; Luke 8:4-15.

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Ellen G. White
Steps to Christ, 82

The apostle says, “Let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God.” 1 Corinthians 7:24. The businessman may conduct his business in a way that will glorify his Master because of his fidelity. If he is a true follower of Christ he will carry his religion into everything that is done and reveal to men the spirit of Christ. The mechanic may be a diligent and faithful representative of Him who toiled in the lowly walks of life among the hills of Galilee. Everyone who names the name of Christ should so work that others, by seeing his good works, may be led to glorify their Creator and Redeemer. SC 82.1

Many have excused themselves from rendering their gifts to the service of Christ because others were possessed of superior endowments and advantages. The opinion has prevailed that only those who are especially talented are required to consecrate their abilities to the service of God. It has come to be understood by many that talents are given to only a certain favored class to the exclusion of others who of course are not called upon to share in the toils or the rewards. But it is not so represented in the parable. When the master of the house called his servants, he gave to every man his work. SC 82.2

With a loving spirit we may perform life's humblest duties “as to the Lord.” Colossians 3:23. If the love of God is in the heart, it will be manifested in the life. The sweet savor of Christ will surround us, and our influence will elevate and bless. SC 82.3

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1 Corinthians 7:24