20. Let each one remain in the calling in which he was called.
21. Were you called as a slave? Don’t let that bother you—but if indeed you can become free, make the most of the opportunity.
22. For the one who was called in the Lord as a slave is the Lord’s freedman. Likewise the one who was called while free is Messiah’s slave.
23. You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men.
24. Brothers and sisters, let each one—in whatever way he was called—remain that way with God.
25. Now concerning virgins I have no command from the Lord, but I give an opinion as one who by the Lord’s mercy is trustworthy.
26. I think then, because of the present distress, that it is good for a man to remain as he is.
27. Are you bound to a wife? Don’t seek a divorce. Are you free from a wife? Don’t seek a wife.
28. But if you marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. Yet such people will have trouble in this fleshly life, and I am trying to spare you.