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The Life that the Lord Has Assigned

17 However that may be, let each of you lead the life that the Lord has assigned, to which God called you. This is my rule in all the churches.(A) 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? Let him not seek circumcision.(B) 19 Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but obeying the commandments of God is everything.(C) 20 Let each of you remain in the condition in which you were called.(D)

21 Were you a slave when called? Do not be concerned about it. Even if you can gain your freedom, make the most of it.[a] 22 For whoever was called in the Lord as a slave is a freed person belonging to the Lord, just as whoever was free when called is a slave belonging to Christ.(E) 23 You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of humans.(F) 24 In whatever condition you were called, brothers and sisters, there remain with God.

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Footnotes

  1. 7.21 Meaning of Gk uncertain

17 Each of you should continue to live in whatever situation the Lord has placed you, and remain as you were when God first called you. This is my rule for all the churches. 18 For instance, a man who was circumcised before he became a believer should not try to reverse it. And the man who was uncircumcised when he became a believer should not be circumcised now. 19 For it makes no difference whether or not a man has been circumcised. The important thing is to keep God’s commandments.

20 Yes, each of you should remain as you were when God called you. 21 Are you a slave? Don’t let that worry you—but if you get a chance to be free, take it. 22 And remember, if you were a slave when the Lord called you, you are now free in the Lord. And if you were free when the Lord called you, you are now a slave of Christ. 23 God paid a high price for you, so don’t be enslaved by the world.[a] 24 Each of you, dear brothers and sisters,[b] should remain as you were when God first called you.

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Footnotes

  1. 7:23 Greek don’t become slaves of people.
  2. 7:24 Greek brothers; also in 7:29.