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.