16. Wives, maybe you will save your husband; and husbands, maybe you will save your wife. You do not know now what will happen later.
17. But each one should continue to live the way God has given him to live—the way he was when God called him. This is a rule I make in all the churches.
18. If a man was already circumcised when he was called, he should not change his circumcision. If a man was without circumcision when he was called, he should not be circumcised.
19. It is not important if a man is circumcised or not circumcised. The important thing is obeying God’s commands.
20. Each one should stay the way he was when God called him.
21. If you were a slave when God called you, do not let that bother you. But if you can be free, then become free.
22. The person who was a slave when the Lord called him is free in the Lord. He belongs to the Lord. In the same way, the one who was free when he was called is now Christ’s slave.
23. You all were bought for a price. So do not become slaves of men.
24. Brothers, in your new life with God each one of you should continue the way you were when you were called.
25. Now I write about people who are not married. I have no command from the Lord about this, but I give my opinion. And I can be trusted, because the Lord has given me mercy.
26. This is a time of trouble. So I think that it is good for you to stay the way you are.
27. If you have a wife, then do not try to become free from her. If you are not married, then do not try to find a wife.
28. But if you decide to marry, this is not a sin. And it is not a sin for a girl who has never married to get married. But those who marry will have trouble in this life. And I want you to be free from this trouble.
29. Brothers, this is what I mean: We do not have much time left. So starting now, those who have wives should use their time to serve the Lord as if they had no wives.