1 Corinthians 7:17-27

Concerning Change of Status

17 Nevertheless, each person should live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to them, just as God has called them. 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 person should remain in the situation they were in when God called them.
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 the one who was a slave when called to faith in the Lord is the Lord’s freed person; similarly, the one who was free when called is Christ’s slave.
23 You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of human beings.
24 Brothers and sisters, each person, as responsible to God, should remain in the situation they were in when God called them.

Concerning the Unmarried

25 Now about virgins: I have no command from the Lord, but I give a judgment as one who by the Lord’s mercy is trustworthy.
26 Because of the present crisis, I think that it is good for a man to remain as he is.
27 Are you pledged to a woman? Do not seek to be released. Are you free from such a commitment? Do not look for a wife.

Cross References 13

  • 1. Romans 12:3
  • 2. 1 Corinthians 4:17; 1 Corinthians 14:33; 2 Corinthians 8:18; 2 Corinthians 11:28
  • 3. Acts 15:1,2
  • 4. Romans 2:25-27; Galatians 5:6; Galatians 6:15; Colossians 3:11
  • 5. ver 24
  • 6. John 8:32,36; Philemon 16
  • 7. S Romans 6:22; Ephesians 6:6
  • 8. S 1 Corinthians 6:20
  • 9. ver 20
  • 10. ver 6; 2 Corinthians 8:8
  • 11. 2 Corinthians 4:1; 1 Timothy 1:13,16
  • 12. ver 1,8
  • 13. ver 20,21
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