17 Nevertheless, each one should retain the place in life that the Lord assigned to him and to which God has called him. This is the rule I lay down in all the churches. |
18 Was a man already circumcised when he was called? He should not become uncircumcised. Was a man uncircumcised when he was called? He should not be circumcised. |
19 Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God's commands is what counts. |
20 Each one should remain in the situation which he was in when God called him. |
21 Were you a slave when you were called? Don't let it trouble you--although if you can gain your freedom, do so. |
22 For he who was a slave when he was called by the Lord is the Lord's freedman; similarly, he who was a free man when he was called is Christ's slave. |
23 You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men. |
24 Brothers, each man, as responsible to God, should remain in the situation God called him to. |
