Were you a slave when you were called? Don't let it trouble you—although if you can gain your freedom, do so. — The practical case: slavery. Paul does not command manumission but permits it ('if you can gain freedom, do so'—an optative, not imperative). This reflects pastoral realism: some slaves faced danger if freed. However, the deep theological point follows: believers, whether enslaved or free, are apeleutheroi kyriou (freed people of the Lord) in the most profound sense. Heavenly freedom transcends temporal bondage, though earthly freedom is not despised.

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