New Revised Standard NRS
New International Version NIV
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.
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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; but obeying the commandments of God is everything.
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Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God’s commands is what counts.
20 Let each of you remain in the condition in which you were 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. Even if you can gain your freedom, make use of your present condition now more than ever.
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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 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 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 human masters.
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You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of human beings.
24 In whatever condition you were called, brothers and sisters, there remain with God.
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Brothers and sisters, each person, as responsible to God, should remain in the situation they were in when God called them.
25 Now concerning virgins, I have no command of the Lord, but I give my opinion as one who by the Lord's mercy is trustworthy.
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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 I think that, in view of the impending crisis, it is well for you to remain as you are.
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Because of the present crisis, I think that it is good for a man to remain as he is.
27 Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be free. Are you free from a wife? Do not seek a wife.
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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.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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.