Musings on a Little Paul

Ah, Paul. I love his forthrightness and his passion for the Good News. I also really like it when he puts to rest (or at least attempts to do so) silly disputations among church members.

Like in 1 Corinthians 7. Speaking of the status of individuals when they become Christians, he says that if one is circumcised when he converts, that's just wonderful, good for him; then again, if someone is uncircumcised when he converts, kudos and fantastic stuff, way to be!

Now I quote, "Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping the commandments of God" (1 Cor 7:19).

In other words, people, what is important is that you have come unto Christ! Way to be!

To drive the point home he chooses another social distinction, this time having to do with class.

Paul says that it does not matter whether you are a servant (euphemism for slave) or a free person when you convert, because "he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant" (1 Cor 7:22).

This juxtaposition is beautifully drawn. Christ, the Way, the Truth, and the Life, makes us free. He frees us from sin and bondage, from death and pain, from waste and worthlessness. But He does so in order that we may choose to serve Him. Again, note the use of the euphemism here; actually what we each get the opportunity to do is become His slave.

Because, after all, as Paul notes in the next verse, "Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men" (1 Cor 7:23). Slaves are bought by their owners. Jesus bought us. The purchase price was His blood. And yet some will still insist on serving the flesh, rather than being freed in the spirit that we might serve Jesus in love and in truth.