I Corinthians 7:23

be not ye--Greek, "become not ye." Paul here changes from "thou" (Co1 7:21) to "ye." YE ALL are "bought" with the blood of Christ, whatever be your earthly state (Co1 6:20). "Become not servants to men," either externally, or spiritually; the former sense applying to the free alone: the latter to Christian freemen and slaves alike, that they should not be servile adherents to their party leaders at Corinth (Co1 3:21-22; Mat 23:8-10; Co2 11:20); nor indeed slaves to men generally, so far as their condition admits. The external and internal conditions, so far as is attainable, should correspond, and the former be subservient to the latter (compare Co1 7:21, Co1 7:32-35).

In this chapter the apostle answers some cases proposed to him by the Corinthians about marriage. He, I. Shows them that marriage was appointed as a remedy against fornication, and therefore that persons had better marry than burn (Co1 7:1-9). II. He gives direction to those who are married to continue together, though they might have an unbelieving relative, unless the unbeliever would part, in which case a Christian would not be in bondage (Co1 7:10-16). III. He shows them that becoming Christians does not change their external state; and therefore advises every one to continue, in the general, in that state in which he was called (Co1 7:17-24). IV. He advises them, by reason of the present distress, to keep themselves unmarried; hints the shortness of time, and how they should improve it, so as to grow dead and indifferent to the comforts of the world; and shows them how worldly cares hinder their devotions, and distract them in the service of God (Co1 7:25-35). V. He directs them in the disposal of their virgins (Co1 7:36-38). VI. And closes the chapter with advice to widows how to dispose of themselves in that state (Co1 7:39, Co1 7:40).