Old/New Testament
20 Each in the calling in which he was called— in this let him remain. 21 Were you called as a slave? Do not let it be a concern to you. But if also[a] you are able to become free, rather make-use-of the opportunity. 22 For the one having been called in the Lord as a slave is a freedperson of the Lord. Likewise the one having been called as a free one is a slave of Christ. 23 You were bought with a price; do not become slaves[b] of people. 24 Each in what he was called, brothers— in this let him remain with God.
Concerning The Unmarried: In General, It Is Good To Remain As You Are In Life
25 Now concerning virgins, I do not have a command from the Lord, but I am giving an opinion as one having been shown-mercy by the Lord to be trustworthy. 26 I think then that this[c] is good because of the present necessity[d], that it is good for a person to be so[e]. 27 Have you been bound[f] to a woman? Do not be seeking a release[g]. Have you been released[h] from a woman? Do not be seeking a wife. 28 But even if you marry, you did not sin. And if the virgin marries, she did not sin. But such ones will have affliction in the flesh, and I am sparing[i] you.
We All Must Keep Our Earthly Life In Eternal Perspective
29 And this I say, brothers— the time[j] is shortened, so that henceforth even the ones having wives should be as-though not having, 30 and the ones weeping as-though not weeping, and the ones rejoicing as-though not rejoicing, and the ones buying as-though not holding-on-to[k], 31 and the ones making-use-of the world as-though not making-full-use-of it. For the form[l] of this world is passing away.
Single People Can Be Solely Devoted To God; The Married Have a Dual Concern
32 Now I want you to be free-from-concern. The unmarried man is concerned-about the things of the Lord— how he may please the Lord. 33 But the man having married is concerned-about the things of the world— how he may please his wife, 34 and he has been divided[m]. And the unmarried woman[n], and the virgin, is concerned-about the things of the Lord— that she may be holy both in the body and in the spirit. But the woman having married is concerned-about the things of the world— how she may please her husband.
Do What You Think Is Honorable For Your Virgin Daughter
35 Now I am saying this[o] for the benefit of you yourselves— not that I may throw a noose[p] on you, but toward good-order and devotion[q] to the Lord, undistractedly. 36 But if one[r] thinks that he is behaving-dishonorably[s] toward his virgin daughter— if she is beyond-the-bloom-of-youth[t], and it ought[u] to be so— let him do what he wants. He is not sinning. Let them marry. 37 But he who stands steadfast[v] in his heart, not having a necessity[w], and has authority[x] concerning[y] his own will, and has determined this in his own heart, to keep[z] his virgin daughter— he will do well[aa]. 38 So then, both the one giving his virgin daughter in marriage is doing well, and the one not giving-in-marriage will do better.
Widows Are Free To Remarry, But May Be Happier Remaining As They Are
39 A wife has been bound for as much time as her husband lives. But if her husband falls-asleep, she is free to be married to whom she wishes— only in the Lord. 40 But she is happier if she remains thus[ab], according to my opinion; and I also think that I have the Spirit of God.
Disciples' Literal New Testament: Serving Modern Disciples by More Fully Reflecting the Writing Style of the Ancient Disciples, Copyright © 2011 Michael J. Magill. All Rights Reserved. Published by Reyma Publishing