²⁰ Let each of you remain in the condition in which you were called.^(A)

The Life that the Lord Has Assigned

¹⁷ However that may be, let each of you lead the life that the Lord has assigned, to which God called you. This is my rule in all the churches.^(A)

¹¹ to aspire to live quietly, to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we directed you,^(A)

¹² Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.^(A)

²¹ Were you a slave when called? Do not be concerned about it. Even if you can gain your freedom, make the most of it.^{[a] 22} For whoever was called in the Lord as a slave is a freed person belonging to the Lord, just as whoever was free when called is a slave belonging to Christ.^{(A) 23} You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of humans.^{(B) 24} In whatever condition you were called, brothers and sisters, there remain with God.

¹⁰ And the crowds asked him, “What, then, should we do?”^{(A) 11} In reply he said to them, “Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none, and whoever has food must do likewise.”^{(B) 12} Even tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, “Teacher, what should we do?”^{(C) 13} He said to them, “Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you.”^{(D) 14} Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what should we do?” He said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages.”^(E)