1 Corinthians 7:19Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

As circumcision brings no profit, and uncircumcision does no harm, so also slavery and freedom are alike. But to show this as clearly as possible, he says: “But if you can also become free, rather make use of it,” that is, serve all the more. Why, then, does he command the one who can become free to remain a slave? So that he may show that slavery not only does no harm, but even brings benefit. I know that some maintain that the words “rather make use of it” are spoken of freedom. They explain them thus: if you can become free, then be freed. But such a thought would be wholly contrary to Paul’s intention. He is consoling the slave and proving that slavery causes him no harm. He would not then command him to seek freedom. Otherwise someone might say: if I cannot become free, then I suffer humiliation and harm. The Greek terms are χρησαι and μαλλον χρησαι.

None of this is an obstacle to piety.” Concerning slavery in particular, he says: “As circumcision brings no profit, and uncircumcision does no harm, so also slavery and freedom are alike. But to show this as clearly as possible, the Apostle says: ‘But if you can also become free, rather make use of it’ (χρησαι), that is, serve all the more. I know that some maintain that the words ‘rather make use of it’ are spoken of freedom. They explain them thus: if you can become free, then be freed. But such a thought would be wholly contrary to Paul’s intention. He is consoling the slave and proving that slavery causes no harm. He would not then command him to seek freedom. In relation to Christ, he says, both are equal: you are a slave, and so is your master. When is a slave free while remaining a slave? When he is freed from passions and diseases of the soul, and does not surrender to greed, anger, and other such passions.” Conversely, when is a free man a slave? When he serves men in some evil thing, in gluttony, greed, or vainglory. Such a man, though free, is worse than any slave. Here is an example of both. Joseph was a slave, but he did not serve men slavishly, for he did not submit to his mistress. She, on the contrary, though free, proved lower than any slave. Today we have no slaves, but we have servants and masters, superiors and subordinates. These lessons apply to all Christians who occupy different positions in society. To persuade Christians all the more to preserve their outward condition, the Apostle says that he teaches this to Christians everywhere. This statement has great significance both historically and for the practice of the Church. It concerns the establishment of common orders of life for all Christians, not in conflict with other prevailing orders, insofar as those are not contrary to the spirit of the Christian faith. According to blessed Theophylact, “The Apostle said this so that Christians, knowing that they have other Christians sharing the same order of life, might be more zealously disposed to obedience to the Apostle’s decree.”

All this is contained in the fulfillment of the commandments as a necessary means. Faith leads to the springs of grace. One who has drunk from them becomes strong for the fulfillment of the commandments. By fulfilling them, he attains purity of heart, or its true circumcision. A pure heart burns with love. This is what is needed. Circumcision and uncircumcision are nothing, as is every other outward state or condition.