While it is true that all those who are united to Christ by faith have equal status as members in Abraham’s family, this does not mean that distinctions are negated. Those from a Jewish background are still different from those from a Gentile background. Likewise, those who were slaves before they came to Christ may continue to be slaves also after conversion. Men and women continue to be different from one another, expected to occupy different roles when it comes to marriage (Ephesians 5:22–33; Colossians 3:18–19; Titus 2:4–5) and ministry (1 Corinthians 11:2–16; 1 Corinthians 14:33–36; 1 Timothy 2:9–15).1 Distinctions remain even after coming to Christ, but they must not create barriers to fellowship.2
28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.