21. Were you called while a slave? Do not be concerned about it; but if you can be made free, rather use it.
22. For he who is called in the Lord while a slave is the Lord’s freedman. Likewise he who is called while free is Christ’s slave.
23. You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men.
24. Brethren, let each one remain with God in that state in which he was called.
25. Now concerning virgins: I have no commandment from the Lord; yet I give judgment as one whom the Lord in His mercy has made trustworthy.
26. I suppose therefore that this is good because of the present distress—that it is good for a man to remain as he is:
27. Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be loosed. Are you loosed from a wife? Do not seek a wife.