English Standard Version ESV
New International Version NIV
17 Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. This is my rule in all the churches.
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 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.
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 For neither circumcision counts for anything nor uncircumcision, but keeping the commandments of God.
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Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God’s commands is what counts.
20 Each one should remain in the condition in which he was called.
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Each person should remain in the situation they were in when God called them.
21 Were you a slave when called? Do not be concerned about it. (But if you can gain your freedom, avail yourself of the opportunity.)
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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 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.
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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 with a price; do not become slaves of men.
23
You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of human beings.
24 So, brothers,in whatever condition each was called, there let him remain with God.
24
Brothers and sisters, each person, as responsible to God, should remain in the situation they were in when God called them.
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.