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.

³⁹ A wife is bound as long as her husband lives. But if the husband dies,^[a] she is free to marry anyone she wishes, only in the Lord.^{(A) 40} But in my opinion she is more blessed if she remains as she is. And I think that I, too, have the Spirit of God.