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17 But as the Lord hath parted to each, and as God hath called each man, so go he, as I teach in all churches.[a]

18 A man circumcised is called, bring he not to prepuce. A man is called in prepuce, be he not circumcised.

19 Circumcision is nought, and prepuce is nought, but the keeping of the commandments of God.

20 Each man in what calling he is called, in that dwell he.

21 Thou servant art called, be it no charge to thee [Thou a servant art called, be it not charge to thee]; but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather.

22 He that is a servant, and is called in the Lord, is a free man of the Lord. Also [and] he that is a free man, and is called, is the servant of Christ.

23 With price ye be bought; do not ye be made servants of men.

24 Therefore each man in what thing he is called a brother, dwell he in this with God. [Each man therefore in what calling he is called, in that dwell he with God.]

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Corinthians 7:17 No but as the Lord hath parted to each, as God hath called each man, so go he, and as I teach in all churches.

Concerning Change of Status

17 Nevertheless, each person should live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to them, just as God has called them.(A) This is the rule I lay down in all the churches.(B) 18 Was a man already circumcised when he was called? He should not become uncircumcised. Was a man uncircumcised when he was called? He should not be circumcised.(C) 19 Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing.(D) Keeping God’s commands is what counts. 20 Each person should remain in the situation they were in when God called them.(E)

21 Were you a slave when you were called? Don’t let it trouble you—although if you can gain your freedom, do so. 22 For the one who was a slave when called to faith in the Lord is the Lord’s freed person;(F) similarly, the one who was free when called is Christ’s slave.(G) 23 You were bought at a price;(H) do not become slaves of human beings. 24 Brothers and sisters, each person, as responsible to God, should remain in the situation they were in when God called them.(I)

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