“Only, as the Lord has assigned to each one, as God has called each, in this manner let him walk. And so I direct in all the churches. Was any man called when he was already circumcised? He is not to become uncircumcised. Has anyone been called in uncircumcision? He is not to be circumcised. Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but what matters is the keeping of the commandments of God. Each man must remain in that condition in which he was called.”

Paul’s point is to not make any big changes in your life situation during times of difficulty. This he makes very clear, not just to the Corinthians but to all Christians (“all the churches”). In fact, although he explicitly states it here, he makes it clear that his entire letter applies to “all who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 1:2).

We must also keep in mind that this letter comes about three years after Paul had planted the Corinthian church. The Corinthians should have had enough time to know these things, but Paul needed to correct them. We can readily relate to this, for it is not uncommon in the zeal of new faith for young Christians to want to make abrupt changes in their life situation. Paul cautions against such moves. Of course, moral changes take place and transform relationships. But marriage carries divine authority, so a new believer should not try to break the bonds of marriage just because the spouse does not come to faith.

And Jews who come to faith should not completely dismiss out of hand all Jewish customs and identity to identify with Gentile believers. We understand the terms “circumcision” and “uncircumcision” to refer to Jews and Gentiles respectively, with circumcision being symbolic of the differences. Nor should Gentiles (i.e. non-Jews) who come to faith become converts to Judaism. But, you may think, isn’t there a real difference between the two? Well, Paul in other writings makes it clear that circumcision represents the whole Law of Moses and is to be avoided by Christians. But some (specifically Jews) are already circumcised before they come to Christ. While they should not necessarily shun their Jewish lifestyle, they should never put circumcision into the crux of salvation (see Gal. 5:2–3, 11).

What the Corinthians, and all Christians, should focus on is obeying God. Paul does not mean keeping the Mosaic Law (which no one can do perfectly), but simply obeying what God has said (which the Corinthians were not doing)! So believers should remain in their marriage or communal relationships as a default position—unless God should make clear any exceptions.

Lord, help me keep the most important thing in focus—obeying You.