. Essentially, Paul wants the widow not to remarry without carefully considering that God might be calling her to celibacy. 1 Now for the matters you wrote about: “It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman.” 2 But since sexual immorality is occurring, each man should have sexual relations with his own wife, and each woman with her own husband. 4 The wife does not have authority over her own body but yields it to her husband. The image is drawn from a shifting scene in a play represented on the stage ( 1 John 2:17 ). In Galatians 5:6 this "keeping of the commandments of God" is defined to be "faith which worketh by love"; and in Galatians 6:15 , "a new creature." b. 23. be not ye--Greek, "become not ye." e. If she does depart: A Christian couple may in fact separate for reasons that do not justify a Biblical divorce. For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband; otherwise your children would be unclean, but now they are holy. Do not seek to be loosed. To be single or married is a special gifting from God. This verse means that if a Christian is married to a non-Christian who divorces the Christian, the Christian is not guilty of sin. : No matter what your station – married, single, divorced, widowed, remarried, whatever – God can work in your life. c. Let him not divorce her: If there were some Christian couples in the Corinthian church who thought they would be more spiritual if they divorced (addressed in 1 Corinthians 7:10-11), what about Corinthian Christians married to unbelievers? One should not feel they are immature or unspiritual because they desire to get married so they will no longer. God can use us right where we are, and we should not be so quick to change our station in life. this--namely, "for a man so to be," that is, in the same state in which he is ( 1 Corinthians 7:27 ). As, however, he has previously made use of the term trouble, (1 Corinthians 7:28,) and now makes mention of cares or anxieties, it may admit of doubt whether they have a different signification, or not. This advice (if this translation be right) is not absolute, as the spirit of the Gospel is against slavery. To the married: Here, Paul addresses marriages where both partners are Christians. ii. Nevertheless he who stands steadfast in his heart, having no necessity, but has power over his own will, and has so determined in his heart that he will keep his virgin, does well. So, every man should have his own wife and every woman should have her own husband. As well, Paul says otherwise your children would be unclean – clearly giving the sense that apart from the presence of a Christian parent, the child is not regarded as holy, rather as unclean. Paul means that husbands and wives should continue in sexual relations. b. When Paul writes his own gift, he uses the same word for spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12. Let not the wife depart--literally, "be separated from." The precept ( 1 Corinthians 7:23 ), "Become not (so the Greek) the servants of men," implies plainly that slavery is abnormal (compare Leviticus 25:42 ). . Let him not be circumcised. Though Paul preferred the unmarried state for himself, he doesn’t want anyone to think that being married was less spiritual, or more spiritual. If we hope in God as our Father, we must seek to be holy as he is holy, and perfect as our Father in heaven. c. Determined in his heart that he will keep his virgin, does well: Because singleness does have its benefits, Paul will recommend it, not only to individuals, but also to fathers in regard to the marrying off of their daughters. Paul was probably well qualified to speak of the relative gifts and responsibilities of both marriage and singleness, because he knew both from his life experience. 2. In Paul’s day, Jews considered marriage a duty, to the extent that a man reaching 20 years of age without marrying was considered to be in sin. c. A wife is not to depart from her husband: The Corinthian Christians wondered if it might be more spiritual to be single, and if they should break up existing marriages for the cause of greater holiness. But to the rest indicates Paul is shifting the focus from the group previously addressed – couples where both partners were Christians. Now to the married: Remember that in this chapter Paul answers questions written to him from the Corinthian Christians. In fact, the sense of the text argues against it. The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Tragically, to many modern single Christians, singleness is a terrible. 29. this I say--A summing up of the whole, wherein he draws the practical inference from what precedes ( 1 Corinthians 15:50 ). We can seek God’s best and be used by Him right where we are. This was probably a statement made by the Corinthian Christians, which they asked Paul to agree with. And for Paul, in light of the present circumstances, he regarded singleness as best. If you were not circumcised when you became a Christian, fine also. Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refuseing them will have impact how our site functions. ii. f. The principle in this passage is important. Paul will agree with the statement, but with reservation – the “nevertheless” of verse 2. i. so ordain I in all churches--Ye also therefore should obey. But a Christian widow, like any Christian, is really only free to remarry another Christian (, But she is happier if she remains as she is, according to my judgment, At the same time, Paul believes such a widow. : Paul says it is not wrong for a father to allow his young daughter to marry, even allowing for the desirability of singleness at the present time. Therefore, if a person says “God just doesn’t want me to be married to this person anymore” or “God brought someone better to me,” they are wrong and not speaking from God at all. i. has nothing to do with any kind of improper moral behavior, but with denying his daughter or son the right to marry, based on the way Paul values singleness. affection because she is a wife of a Christian man. i. iii. 1 Corinthians 7, Coffman Commentaries on the Bible, One of over 110 Bible commentaries freely available, this commentary, by the leading authority in the Church of Christ, presents a … ii. He simply knows that though he based his remarks in 1 Corinthians 7:10-11 on what Jesus taught in Matthew 19:3-9 (yet not I, but the Lord), he has no specific recorded command from Jesus in the case of a Christian married to an unbelieving spouse. 7 Now concerning the matters about which you wrote: “It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman.” 2 But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband. : Here, Paul simply recognizes that when a person doesn’t have family responsibilities, they are more “free” to serve God. i. i. If the sin of separation has been committed, that of a new marriage is not to be added ( Matthew 5:32 ). This was the main reason Paul considered the unmarried state preferable for himself. in such circumstance, but they cannot consider themselves divorced, with the right to remarry, because their marriage had not split up for reasons that justify a Biblical divorce. Paul recognizes (without at all encouraging) that one might depart in such circumstance, but they cannot consider themselves divorced, with the right to remarry, because their marriage had not split up for reasons that justify a Biblical divorce. mercy of the Lord--( 1 Timothy 1:13 ). He carefully says it is permitted, and that the permission was given because of the hardness of your hearts (Matthew 19:8). Paul’s point is that we have a binding obligation to serve our partner with physical affection. : It might be easy to think that self-control is expressed by. . g. For how do you know: Paul ends this section with a great deal of hope, because many Christians who are married to unbelievers are discouraged. I suppose therefore that this is good because of the present distress—that it is good for a man to remain as he is: Are you bound to a wife? (7-9) Paul recognizes the benefits of singleness, but also of marriage; all is according to how God gifts. Others for shame after they were gained to the knowledge of Christ, as here. d. Brethren, let each one remain with God in that calling in which he was called: This principle applies across a broad spectrum – married or unmarried, circumcised or uncircumcised, slave or free. 1 Corinthians 7. Also, by Paul’s own words, it is likely that Paul was a member of the Sanhedrin. ii. 1 Corinthians 7:1-40 . Please enter your email address associated with your Salem All-Pass account, then click Continue. e. Let each one remain with God in that calling in which he was called: Of course, this doesn’t mean that we are to continue in a sinful course or occupation once we are saved. Children were included in the covenant, as God made it not only with Abraham, but with his "seed after" him ( Genesis 17:7 ). So then he who gives, If any man thinks he is behaving improperly towards his virgin, Paul refers to is the father of a young woman or man of marrying age (. For him, he could please God better as single, but another may please God better as married, all according to our calling. Article Images Copyright © 2021 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. One should not feel they are immature or unspiritual because they desire to get married so they will no longer burn with passion. For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband; otherwise your children would be unclean, but now they are holy. This clause, "with God," limits the similar precept in 1 Corinthians 7:20 . i. 9. if they cannot contain--that is, "have not continency." commandments of God--namely, is all in all. If you are married to your second wife, after wrongfully divorcing your first wife, and become a Christian, don’t think you must now leave your second wife and go back to your first wife, trying to undo the past. Let each one remain with God in that calling in which he was called. A businessman driving to the airport takes his eyes off the road for just a moment to dial a number on his mobile phone or to change the tape in his stereo, and fails to observe a stalled car directly in his path. In I Corinthians 7, Paul is trying to walk a practical and theological tightrope between these excesses, while still speaking to both groups. We are never to put ourselves under the inappropriate control or influence of others. That you may serve the Lord without distraction, : For Paul, being unmarried meant fewer distractions in serving God. Even, Are you bound to a wife? 2 Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband. The Greek, "But if even thou mayest be made free, use it," and the context ( 1 Corinthians 7:20 1 Corinthians 7:22 ) favors this view [CHRYSOSTOM, BENGEL, and ALFORD]. 1 Corinthians 7 Questions about marriage. a. i. Scripture: 1 Corinthians 7:39, Acts 17:26, 2 Corinthians 6:14-18. 1 Corinthians 7:1 "Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: [It is] good for a man not to touch a woman." passeth away--not merely shall pass away, but is now actually passing away. You can check these in your browser security settings. Christ's servant--( 1 Corinthians 9:21 ). 1:16. Paul felt (especially for himself) that the greater advantages were found in being single, yet he knows that each one has his own gift from God (1 Corinthians 7:7). Paul here changes from "thou" ( 1 Corinthians 7:21 ) to "ye." They should know that with faith and patience, they can look for God to work in their present circumstances, difficult as they might be. He who is unmarried cares for the things of the Lord—how he may please the Lord. Affection also reminds us that when a couple is unable – for physical or other reasons – to have a complete sexual relationship, they can still have an affectionate relationship, and thus fulfill God’s purpose for these commands. It is all according to an individual’s gifting. Yet he says that marriage, and the comforts of that state, are settled by Divine wisdom. Paul doesn’t think only the young or pretty or submissive wives are due affection; every wife is due affection because she is a wife of a Christian man. As the Lord has called each one, so let him walk. A wife is bound by law as long as her husband lives; but if her husband dies, she is at liberty to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord. If her husband dies, she is at liberty to be married: Of course, a widow has the right to remarry. iii. John Piper Apr 29, 2009 50 Shares Sermon. . wept not--(Compare 2 Corinthians 6:10 ). “Until he is old enough to take responsibility upon himself, the child of a believing parent is to be regarded as Christian. Most significantly, Paul never implies that being married or single is more spiritual than the other state. I prefer this latter view, as more according to the tenor of the Gospel, and fully justified by the Greek. Sorrow may become a distraction. Because God can be glorified in such a marriage, and He may do a work through the believing spouse to draw the unbelieving spouse to Jesus Christ. But I want you to be without care. Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her: Instead of a man not to touch a woman, within marriage a husband must render to his wife the affection due her. Likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. (21-24) An example of this principle from the practice of slavery. She hath not power over her body, and yet it is her own. The ‘previous’ letter. Enforcing the precept to stay with the unbelieving consort ( 1 Corinthians 7:12-14 ). We can easily imagine how in a time of persecution or great crisis, how much more of a burden a wife or a family can be for someone committed to standing strong for the Lord. Even as being circumcised or uncircumcised is irrelevant when it comes to serving God, so is your current marital state. Was anyone called while circumcised? Even without considering the return of Jesus, it is worthwhile and accurate for Christians to live as if. , not only because Jesus can return at any time, but also because it cultivates a more obedient, on-fire walk with Jesus Christ. Now he speaks to, any brother who has a wife who does not believe, woman who has a husband who does not believe, : We should not think Paul is any less inspired by the Holy Spirit on this point. Even without considering the return of Jesus, it is worthwhile and accurate for Christians to live as if the time is short. There is something wrong if a married man does not care for how he may please his wife, and something is wrong if a married woman does not care about how she may please her husband. 17. careth--if he uses aright the advantages of his condition. It is good for a man not to touch a woman, ” is used in the sense of having sexual relations. Those were things whereof they wrote to him, v. 1. These cookies collect information that is used either in aggregate form to help us understand how our website is being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are, or to help us customize our website and application for you in order to enhance your experience. We may say, “Torture me, and I will never renounce Jesus.” But what if we were threatened with the rape of our wife or the torture of our children? : The Corinthian Christians wondered if it might be, Even if she does depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband, : Paul, in addressing a marriage where both partners are Christians, says that they should not – indeed, can not – break up the marriage in a misguided search for higher spirituality. (1 Corinthians 7:6-7 RSV) In other words, what Paul is saying is that sex in marriage manifests a special gift of God. It may be because of a misguided sense of spirituality, it may be because of general unhappiness, or conflict, or abuse, or misery, addiction, or poverty. God tells us to repent of whatever sin is there and then to move on. The married must live faithfully to their spouse, and the unmarried must live celibate. When a Jew in those days did not know if and how God’s law applied to their situation, they would ask a scribe, and the scribe would declare them bound or loosed in regard to particular commands. "Men stealers," or slave dealers, are classed in 1 Timothy 1:10 , with "murderers" and "perjurers." : Paul’s recommendation to marry is not based on marriage being more or less spiritual, but on very practical concerns, especially relevant to his day (as explained in 1 Corinthians 7:26, 29, 32). 15. if . 36. behaveth . Paul is saying that if you were circumcised when you became a Christian, fine. One of the first charges brought against Christians was “tampering with domestic relationships.” (Barclay). Click to enable/disable essential site cookies. Stedman says here: “…Paul puts his finger on what is one of the most frequent causes for disaster in marriage – a unilateral refusal to grant the gift of enjoyment and pleasure to one’s mate…” 18 Paul obviously regards the sexual act within marriage as extremely important. Many Protestant groups will not ordain or trust the single. With the terms bound and loosed, Paul uses the vocabulary of the Jewish scribes. He uses the Greek expression which the Lord used in Luke 21:8 , 13:33 . "Possessed" in the Greek implies a holding fast of a possession; this the Christian will not do, for his "enduring substance" is elsewhere ( Hebrews 10:34 ). : Remember that in this chapter Paul answers questions written to him from the Corinthian Christians. Paul said, ‘I wrote you a letter. 21. care not for it--Let it not be a trouble to thee that thou art a servant or slave. It is the fact of the husband being a "brother," that is, a Christian, though the wife is not so, that sanctifies or hallows the union. God never recognizes a divorce for such reasons. except it be--"unless perchance" [ALFORD]. In the second case ( 1 Corinthians 7:10 1 Corinthians 7:11 ) it was a positive command; for the Lord had already made known His will ( Malachi 2:14 Malachi 2:15 , Matthew 5:31 Matthew 5:32 ). by . You say, ‘It is a good thing when a man does not marry.’ 2 That may be true, but then people may have sex in wrong ways. 12. to the rest--the other classes (besides "the married," 1 Corinthians 7:10 , where both husband and wife are believers) about whom the Corinthians had inquired, namely, those involved in mixed marriages with unbelievers. . . for--by reason of. 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