1 Corinthians 7:17

“But as God hath distributed to every man, etc.] This text is so placed, and the words of it so expressed, as that it may have regard both to what goes before, and follows after; it may have respect to every man’s proper gift, whether of continence, or of disposition to marriage, which every man has of God, (<460707>1 Corinthians 7:7), and accordingly ought to live in a single, or in a married state; or it may refer to the last verse, what knowest thou, etc. and ei mh, which we render “but”, be translated either “unless”; and then the sense is, thou knowest not, O man or woman, whether thou shalt save thy wife or husband, nor any other, unless God, who distributes his, grace to everyone as he…”

“But--Greek, "If not." "Only." Caution that believers should not make this direction (Co1 7:16; as ALFORD explains it) a ground for separating "of themselves" (Co1 7:12-14). Or, But if there be no hope of gaining over the unbeliever, still let the general principle be maintained, "As the Lord hath allotted to each, as God hath called each, so let him walk" (so the Greek in the oldest reading); let him walk in the path allotted to him and wherein he was called. The heavenly calling does not set aside our earthly callings. so ordain I in all churches--Ye also therefore should obey.”

“But as God hath distributed ... - As God hath divided (ἐμέρισεν emerisen); that is, given, imparted to anyone. As God has given grace to everyone. The words εἰ μὴ ei mē denote simply but in the beginning of this verse. The apostle here introduces a new subject; or an inquiry varying somewhat from that preceding, though of the same general nature. He had discussed the question whether a husband and wife ought to be separated on account of a difference in religion. He now says that the general principle there stated ought to rule everywhere; that people who become Christians ought not to seek to change their condition or calling in life, but to remain in that situation in which they were…”

“But as God hath distributed - The various stations of life, and various relations, to every one, let him take care to discharge his duty therein. The gospel disannuls none of these. And thus I ordain in all the churches - As a point of the highest concern. 1 Corinthians 7:19”

“7:17-24 Paul states as a general principle that Christians should accept their God-given lot in life. 7:17 As a general rule, Christians should continue in the social situation in which they first became believers (see 7:20, 24).”

“as God: Co1 7:7; Mat 19:12; Rom 12:3-8; Pe1 4:10, Pe1 4:11 as the: Co1 7:18, Co1 7:20, Co1 7:21, Co1 7:24 so ordain: Co1 4:17, Co1 16:1; Co2 11:28 1 Corinthians 7:18”