Holman Christian Standard Bible CSB
New International Version NIV
17 However, each one must live his life in the situation the Lord assigned when God called him. This is what I command in all the churches.
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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 already circumcised when he was called? He should not undo his circumcision. Was anyone called while uncircumcised? He should not get circumcised.
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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 does not matter and uncircumcision does not matter, but keeping God's commandments does.
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Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God’s commands is what counts.
20 Each person should remain in the life situation 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 called while a slave? It should not be a concern to you. But if you can become free, by all means take 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 is called by the Lord as a slave is the Lord's freedman. Likewise he who is called as a free man is Christ's slave.
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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 at a price; do not become slaves of men.
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You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of human beings.
24 Brothers, each person should remain with God in whatever situation he was called.
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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.
Holman Christian Standard Bible ® Copyright © 2003, 2002, 2000, 1999 by Holman Bible Publishers. 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.