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17 Only, everyone should live as the Lord has assigned, just as God called each one. I give this order in all the churches. 18 Was someone called after he had been circumcised? He should not try to undo his circumcision. Was an uncircumcised person called? He should not be circumcised.(A) 19 Circumcision means nothing, and uncircumcision means nothing; what matters is keeping God’s commandments.(B) 20 Everyone should remain in the state in which he was called.

21 Were you a slave when you were called? Do not be concerned but, even if you can gain your freedom, make the most of it. 22 For the slave called in the Lord is a freed person in the Lord, just as the free person who has been called is a slave of Christ.(C) 23 You have been purchased at a price. Do not become slaves to human beings.(D) 24 Brothers, everyone should continue before God in the state in which he was called.

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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.(A) This is the rule I lay down in all the churches.(B) 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.(C) 19 Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing.(D) Keeping God’s commands is what counts. 20 Each person should remain in the situation they were in when God called them.(E)

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;(F) similarly, the one who was free when called is Christ’s slave.(G) 23 You were bought at a price;(H) 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.(I)

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