‏ 1 Corinthians 7

Against Fornication.

In this section, Paul answers questions from the Corinthians about marriage and sexual purity. He acts as a wise counselor, giving advice for different situations. Paul explains that while singleness can be good, marriage is God’s remedy for sexual temptation. He encourages believers to honor God in their relationships, whether single or married.

v. 1: Paul says, It is good for a man not to touch a woman (1 Corinthians 7:1 ^a). This means that, especially in difficult times, it can be good to remain single. Paul does not say that marriage is wrong, but that singleness has some advantages, especially when there is trouble or persecution. He also reminds Christians to avoid situations that might lead to sexual sin.

v. 2: Paul teaches that marriage is God’s way to prevent sexual immorality. He says, Let every man have his own wife, and every woman her own husband (1 Corinthians 7:2 ^b). Each person should be faithful to their spouse. Marriage helps people avoid the temptation of unlawful desires.

v. 3-4: In marriage, both husband and wife have responsibilities to each other. Paul says they should give each other what is due in marriage (1 Corinthians 7:3-4 ^c). Neither person owns their body alone, but shares it with their spouse. This means they should care for each other and not withhold affection or support.

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v. 5: Paul says couples should not separate from each other except by mutual agreement and only for a short time, such as for prayer and fasting (1 Corinthians 7:5 ^d). Afterward, they should come together again so that Satan does not tempt them because of lack of self-control. God’s ways are best for helping people stay pure.

v. 6: Paul explains that his advice about marriage is given as permission, not as a command (1 Corinthians 7:6 ^e). He does not say everyone must marry, but that it is allowed and wise for those who need it.

v. 7: Paul wishes that everyone could be single like him, but he knows that not everyone has this gift (1 Corinthians 7:7 ^f). God gives different gifts to different people. Some can live happily single, while others need to marry. Both are good in God’s eyes (Matthew 19:11 ^g).

v. 8-9: Paul says it is good for unmarried people and widows to stay single if they can. But if they cannot control their desires, they should marry. It is better to marry than to burn with passion (1 Corinthians 7:8-9 ^h). Marriage is honorable and is God’s answer for those who struggle with sexual temptation.

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Inviolability of the Marriage Bond.

In this section, Paul gives guidance about marriage, especially for those who are married to unbelievers. Many new Christians in Corinth wondered if they should stay with a spouse who was not a believer. Paul explains that marriage is a lifelong bond, and believers should not separate from their spouses except for the reasons that Jesus taught. He also gives special instructions about living with unbelieving partners and the effect of faith in the family.

v. 10-11: Paul says that, according to the command of the Lord, a wife should not separate from her husband, and a husband should not divorce his wife (1 Corinthians 7:10-11 ⁱ). This is not just Paul’s advice, but what Jesus Himself taught (Matthew 5:32; Mark 10:11 ^j). Marriage is for life, and couples should not separate for any reason except the ones Jesus gave. If a separation does happen, Paul says the woman should remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband. Husbands and wives should try to solve their problems and stay together.

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v. 12-13: Paul addresses Christians who have unbelieving spouses. He says that if the unbelieving husband or wife is willing to live together, the believer should not leave them (1 Corinthians 7:12-13 ^k). Becoming a Christian does not cancel the marriage. In fact, faith should help believers be even better husbands or wives.

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v. 14: Paul explains that the unbelieving spouse is “sanctified” by the believing partner (1 Corinthians 7:14 ^l). This does not mean the unbeliever is saved, but that the marriage and family are set apart by God’s blessing, because of the believer. The children are considered “holy,” meaning they are part of God’s people and not outside His care (Titus 1:15; Acts 10:28 ^m).

v. 15: If the unbelieving partner chooses to leave and will not live in peace, the believer is not “in bondage” in such a case (1 Corinthians 7:15 ⁿ). Christians are called to live in peace, and if the other person refuses to stay, the believer is not forced to remain in the marriage at all costs (Romans 12:18 ^o).

v. 16: Paul adds that a believing wife or husband might be the means God uses to save their spouse (1 Corinthians 7:16 ^p). This is another reason not to separate. Even if it seems unlikely, the believer should try to influence their spouse for good, because it is possible that their faith and love could lead their partner to salvation.

Christian Contentment.

In this passage, Paul teaches that Christians should be content with the place and situation they were in when they became believers. He explains that God's providence arranges everyone's life, and faith can be lived out in any circumstance. Whether someone is rich or poor, a servant or free, a Jew or Gentile, they are called to honor God where they are.

v. 17: Paul gives a general rule: As God has distributed to each one, as the Lord has called each one, so let him walk (1 Corinthians 7:17 ^q). Every Christian should live in a way that matches their situation and honors God. This is not just for Corinth, but Paul says, So I ordain in all churches. He wants believers everywhere to show contentment and faithfulness in their daily lives.

v. 18-19: Paul uses the example of circumcision. If someone became a Christian while already circumcised, they should not try to change that. If they were uncircumcised, they should not get circumcised. Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing, but keeping the commandments of God is what matters (1 Corinthians 7:18-19 ^r). True religion is about obeying God, not just outward rituals.

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v. 20-21: Paul tells believers to remain in the situation in which they were called to Christ. If someone was a servant, they should not worry too much about it. But if they have a chance to be free, they should take it (1 Corinthians 7:20-21 ^s). Whether free or servant, believers can serve Christ in any position.

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v. 22-23: Paul explains that a servant who belongs to Jesus is actually the Lord’s freed person. And a free person is the Lord’s servant. All Christians are bought with a price, so they should not become slaves to others (1 Corinthians 7:22-23; 1 Corinthians 6:20 ^t).

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v. 24: Paul sums up his teaching: Let each one remain with God in that state in which he was called (1 Corinthians 7:24 ^u). It does not matter what our background or social status is. What matters is living with God’s presence and favor. In Christ, there is no difference between Jew or Gentile, slave or free (Colossians 3:11 ^v).

Prudential Directions to Virgins.

In this section, Paul gives advice to Christians who are unmarried, particularly to virgins. He emphasizes the importance of carefully considering their life decisions and encourages them to focus on serving God in the state they are in. Paul does not give strict commands but offers wise counsel, especially considering the challenges of their time.

v. 25: Paul begins by saying, I have no commandment from the Lord about virgins, but he shares his judgment as one who has been shown mercy by the Lord to be faithful (1 Corinthians 7:25 ^w). This means Jesus did not give specific instructions on this topic, but Paul’s advice is inspired and trustworthy. He speaks as a faithful apostle, sharing wisdom given by God.

v. 26-28: Paul advises that, because of the current difficulties, it is good for a person to remain single. He says, It is good for a man so to be (1 Corinthians 7:26 ^x). Times were hard for Christians, with persecution and trouble, and marriage could increase their challenges. However, Paul clarifies that marriage is not a sin. If someone marries, they have not sinned, but they should know that marriage can bring extra concerns and difficulties (1 Corinthians 7:28 ^y). Paul wishes to spare them from these troubles.

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v. 29-31: Paul encourages all Christians to approach life with a sense of holy detachment. He reminds them that the time is short and the fashion of this world is passing away (1 Corinthians 7:29, 31 ^z). He tells those who are married to live as though they are not overly dependent on their spouse, and those who weep or rejoice to not let their emotions overtake them. Even those who buy or use the world’s resources should do so as though they are not permanent. Paul wants them to focus on eternal things rather than temporary ones.

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v. 32-35: Paul explains his desire for Christians to be free from worldly distractions. He says, He who is unmarried cares for the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord, but the married person is concerned about pleasing their spouse (1 Corinthians 7:32-34 ^aa). This does not mean marriage is bad, but that it naturally brings more responsibilities. Paul wants believers to serve God without distraction and to choose the life situation that allows them to do that most effectively.

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Prudential Directions to the Unmarried.

In this passage, Paul gives practical advice to those who are unmarried, especially about whether to marry or remain single. He considers both the customs of the time and the personal needs of each person. Paul’s main goal is to help believers make wise choices that honor God and bring peace to their lives.

v. 36: Paul says that if a man feels he is not acting properly toward his unmarried daughter, and if she is of marriageable age and it would be best for her reputation, he may allow her to marry. There is no sin in this decision. Parents should care about their children’s well-being and reputation, and it is not wrong to arrange a marriage if it is needed.

v. 37: On the other hand, if a man has decided in his heart to keep his daughter single, and there is no urgent need for her to marry, he also does well. This is especially true if both agree and are content with this choice. Paul teaches that both marriage and singleness can be good, depending on the situation and the person’s ability to live contentedly.

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v. 38: Paul sums up by saying, He who gives his daughter in marriage does well, but he who does not give her in marriage does better (1 Corinthians 7:38 ^ab). In the difficult times the Corinthians were facing, singleness could be more convenient and less stressful, but marriage is still honorable and right.

v. 39: Paul teaches that as long as her husband lives, a wife is bound by law to him (1 Corinthians 7:39 ^ac). Marriage is intended to be a lifelong bond, and only death can dissolve it. However, if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, provided it is in the Lord. This means she should marry only a fellow believer, seeking God’s guidance and blessing in her choice. Paul emphasizes that second marriages are permitted by God but should be entered into with wisdom and faith, respecting the sacredness of marriage and the importance of shared faith in the new union.

v. 39–40: Paul concludes his advice to widows by affirming their freedom to remarry, but only in the Lord, meaning to a fellow believer (1 Corinthians 7:39-40 ^ad). Nevertheless, Paul expresses his personal judgment that a widow will be happier if she remains single, especially considering the difficult times the Corinthians were facing. He shares this counsel with confidence that it is guided by the Spirit of God. This encourages believers to make careful, prayerful decisions about marriage, prioritizing what will best enable them to serve God.