18-19 Were you Jewish at the time God called you? Don’t try to remove the evidence. Were you non-Jewish at the time of your call? Don’t become a Jew. Being Jewish isn’t the point. The really important thing is obeying God’s call, following his commands.

20-22 Stay where you were when God called your name. Were you a slave? Slavery is no roadblock to obeying and believing. I don’t mean you’re stuck and can’t leave. If you have a chance at freedom, go ahead and take it. I’m simply trying to point out that under your new Master you’re going to experience a marvelous freedom you would never have dreamed of. On the other hand, if you were free when Christ called you, you’ll experience a delightful “enslavement to God” you would never have dreamed of.

Read full chapter

Bible Gateway Recommends

The Message Compact Bible--soft leather-look, black
The Message Compact Bible--soft leather-look, black
Retail: $29.99
Our Price: $7.99
Save: $22.00 (73%)
The Message The Book of Psalms
The Message The Book of Psalms
Retail: $8.99
Our Price: $7.49
Save: $1.50 (17%)
The Message Bible, Dusty Rose Floral Large Print Leather-Look
The Message Bible, Dusty Rose Floral Large Print Leather-Look
Retail: $59.99
Our Price: $44.99
Save: $15.00 (25%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
The Message Outreach Edition, Large-Print, softcover-Case of  10
The Message Outreach Edition, Large-Print, softcover-Case of 10
Retail: $99.90
Our Price: $64.90
Save: $35.00 (35%)
4.0 of 5.0 stars