16. For how do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband; or how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?
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.
19. Circumcision means nothing, and uncircumcision means nothing; what matters is keeping God’s commandments.
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.
23. You have been purchased at a price. Do not become slaves to human beings.
24. Brothers, everyone should continue before God in the state in which he was called.
25. Now in regard to virgins, I have no commandment from the Lord, but I give my opinion as one who by the Lord’s mercy is trustworthy.
26. So this is what I think best because of the present distress: that it is a good thing for a person to remain as he is.
27. Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek a separation. Are you free of a wife? Then do not look for a wife.