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

The Life That the Lord Has Assigned

17 Only, let every one lead the life which the Lord has assigned to him, and in which God has called him. This is my rule in all the churches. 18 Was any one at the time of his call already circumcised? Let him not seek to remove the marks of circumcision. Was any one at the time of his call uncircumcised? Let him not seek circumcision. 19 For neither circumcision counts for anything nor uncircumcision, but keeping the commandments of God. 20 Every one should remain in the state in which he was called. 21 Were you a slave when called? Never mind. But if you can gain your freedom, avail yourself of the opportunity.[a] 22 For he who was called in the Lord as a slave is a freedman of the Lord. Likewise he who was free when called is a slave of Christ. 23 You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men. 24 So, brethren, in whatever state each was called, there let him remain with God.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Corinthians 7:21 Or make use of your present condition instead