Tag Archives: 1 Corinthians 7:17

Walk as You Were Called: Divine Allotment and Apostolic Order in 1 Corinthians 7:17

Εἰ μὴ ἑκάστῳ ὡς ἐμέρισεν ὁ Θεός, ἕκαστον ὡς κέκληκεν ὁ κύριος, οὕτως περιπατείτω. καὶ οὕτως ἐν ταῖς ἐκκλησίαις πάσαις διατάσσομαι. (1 Corinthians 7:17) The Grammar of Calling and Distribution

Paul’s pastoral instruction in 1 Corinthians 7:17 unfolds a theological imperative grounded in divine sovereignty and ecclesial order. This single verse reveals a surprising depth through the use of two aorist verbs — ἐμέρισεν (“He has assigned”) and κέκληκεν (“He has called”) — alongside a present imperative, περιπατείτω (“let him walk”). The structure forms a bridge between what God has done and what each person must do in response.

εἰ μὴ ἑκάστῳ ὡς ἐμέρισεν ὁ Θεός

This initial clause functions as an exception clause modifying Paul’s general exhortation.… Learn Koine Greek

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