Live as You Are Called

17 Only let each person lead the life[a] (A)that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. (B)This is my rule in (C)all the churches. 18 Was anyone at the time of his call already circumcised? Let him not seek to remove the marks of circumcision. Was anyone at the time of his call uncircumcised? (D)Let him not seek circumcision. 19 (E)For neither circumcision counts for anything nor uncircumcision, but (F)keeping the commandments of God. 20 (G)Each one should remain in the condition in which he was called. 21 Were you a bondservant[b] when called? Do not be concerned about it. (But if you can gain your freedom, avail yourself of the opportunity.) 22 For he who was called in the Lord as a bondservant is (H)a freedman of the Lord. Likewise he who was free when called is (I)a bondservant of Christ. 23 (J)You were bought with a price; (K)do not become bondservants of men. 24 So, brothers,[c] (L)in whatever condition each was called, there let him remain with God.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Corinthians 7:17 Or each person walk in the way
  2. 1 Corinthians 7:21 For the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface; also verses 22 (twice), 23
  3. 1 Corinthians 7:24 Or brothers and sisters; also verse 29

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