17 Only, (A)as the Lord has assigned to each one, as God has called each, in this way let him walk. And (B)so I direct in (C)all the churches. 18 Was any man called when he was already circumcised? He is not to become uncircumcised. Has anyone been called in uncircumcision? (D)He is not to be circumcised. 19 (E)Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but what matters is (F)the keeping of the commandments of God. 20 (G)Each person is to remain in that [a]state in which he was called.

21 Were you called as a slave? Do not let it concern you. But if you are also able to become free, take advantage of that. 22 For the one who was called in the Lord as a slave, is (H)the Lord’s freed person; likewise the one who was called as free, is (I)Christ’s slave. 23 (J)You were bought for a price; do not become slaves of people. 24 Brothers and sisters, (K)each one is to remain with God in that condition in which he was called.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Corinthians 7:20 Lit calling

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