Various Situations of Life

17 Let each one live his life in the situation the Lord assigned when God called(A) him.[a] This is what I command in all the churches. 18 Was anyone already circumcised when he was called? He should not undo his circumcision. Was anyone called while uncircumcised? He should not get circumcised. 19 Circumcision does not matter and uncircumcision does not matter. Keeping God’s commands is what matters. 20 Let each of you remain in the situation[b] in which he was called. 21 Were you called while a slave? Don’t let it concern you. But if you can become free, by all means take the opportunity.[c] 22 For he who is called by the Lord as a slave(B) is the Lord’s freedman. Likewise he who is called as a free man is Christ’s slave. 23 You were bought(C) at a price; do not become slaves of people. 24 Brothers and sisters, each person is to remain with God in the situation in which he was called.

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Footnotes

  1. 7:17 Lit called each
  2. 7:20 Lit in the calling
  3. 7:21 Or But even though you can become free, make the most of your position as a slave

Live according to God’s Call

17 Nevertheless, everyone should live the life that the Lord gave him and to which God called him. This is my rule in all the churches. 18 Was anyone circumcised when he was called? He should not try to change that. Was anyone uncircumcised when he was called? He should not get circumcised. 19 Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but obeying God’s commandments is everything.[a] 20 Everyone should stay in the same condition[b] in which he was called. 21 Were you a slave when you were called? Do not let that bother you. Of course, if you have a chance to become free, take advantage of the opportunity. 22 For the slave who has been called to belong to the Lord is the Lord’s free person. In the same way, the free person who has been called is the Messiah’s[c] slave. 23 You were bought for a price. Stop becoming slaves of people. 24 Brothers, everyone should stay in the same condition[d] in which he was called by God.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Corinthians 7:19 The Gk. lacks is everything
  2. 1 Corinthians 7:20 Lit. the calling
  3. 1 Corinthians 7:22 Or Christ’s
  4. 1 Corinthians 7:24 Lit. the calling