1 Corinthians 7:21

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

Were you a slave when you were called? It should not matter to you [i.e., if you still are]. But if, indeed, you can become a free person, then use that freedom instead [i.e., for serving God].

Cross References

Colossians 3:11

[In this state] there cannot be [such distinctions as] Greek [i.e., Gentile] and Jew; circumcised people and non-circumcised people; barbarian and Scythian [Note: These last two words refer to foreigners whose language was unintelligible and who were uncivilized heathens], or slave and free person; but Christ is all [that is important] and [He is] in all [of His people].

1 Corinthians 12:13

For we were all immersed by means of the one Holy Spirit into one body [i.e., the church], whether [we were] Jews or Greeks [i.e., Gentiles], whether slaves or free people, and were all given the one [and the same] Holy Spirit to drink. [Note: This probably refers to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, given to all immersed believers. See John 7:37-39; Acts 2:38].

Luke 12:29

So, do not look [anxiously] for what you will eat, and what you will drink, and do not be [continually] worried [i.e., about such things].

1 Peter 5:7

Place all your anxious cares upon God [in prayer], because He genuinely cares about you.

Hebrews 13:5

Keep your lives free from the love of money [and be] content with what you have, because God [Himself] has said [Deut. 31:6], “By no means will I [ever] desert you or give up on you.”

Philippians 4:11

I am not saying this because of being in need, for I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances.

Philippians 4:6

Do not worry about anything, but in everything, by prayer and [special] petition, along with thanksgivings, you should make your requests known to God.

Galatians 3:28

[In this relationship] there is to be no [distinction between] Jews or Greeks [i.e., Gentiles], slaves or free persons, men or women; for all of you are united into one [body] because of your relationship with Christ Jesus.

Luke 21:34

“But pay attention to yourselves so that your hearts do not become overburdened by carousing, and drunkenness, and the worries of life. [If you do], that ‘day’ [i.e., Jesus’ second coming and judgment] will arrive suddenly, like a trap [i.e., which catches an animal by surprise].

1 Corinthians 7:20

Each person should remain in the [same] state he was in when he was called [by God].

1 Corinthians 7:22

For the person who was a slave when called by the Lord is [now] the Lord’s freed person. In the same way, the person who was free when he was called [by the Lord] is [now] Christ’s slave.