In 1 Corinthians 7, Paul dives into the age-old questions of love and relationships, offering guidance that resonates even today. Whether married or single, his insights are as relevant now as they were in ancient Corinth.
The Reading: 1 Corinthians 7
World English Bible1 Now concerning the things about which you wrote to me: it is good for a man not to touch a woman.
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2 But, because of sexual immoralities, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband.
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3 Let the husband give his wife the affection owed her, and likewise also the wife her husband.
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4 The wife doesn’t have authority over her own body, but the husband. Likewise also the husband doesn’t have authority over his own body, but the wife.
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5 Don’t deprive one another, unless it is by consent for a season, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer, and may be together again, that Satan doesn’t tempt you because of your lack of self-control.
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6 But this I say by way of concession, not of commandment.
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7 Yet I wish that all men were like me. However each man has his own gift from God, one of this kind, and another of that kind.
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8 But I say to the unmarried and to widows, it is good for them if they remain even as I am.
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9 But if they don’t have self-control, let them marry. For it’s better to marry than to burn.
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10 But to the married I command—not I, but the Lord—that the wife not leave her husband
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11 (but if she departs, let her remain unmarried, or else be reconciled to her husband), and that the husband not leave his wife.
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12 But to the rest I—not the Lord—say, if any brother has an unbelieving wife, and she is content to live with him, let him not leave her.
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13 The woman who has an unbelieving husband, and he is content to live with her, let her not leave her husband.
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14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified in the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified in the husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but now they are holy.
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15 Yet if the unbeliever departs, let there be separation. The brother or the sister is not under bondage in such cases, but God has called us in peace.
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16 For how do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?
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17 Only, as the Lord has distributed to each man, as God has called each, so let him walk. So I command in all the assemblies.
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18 Was anyone called having been circumcised? Let him not become uncircumcised. Has anyone been called in uncircumcision? Let him not be circumcised.
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19 Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.
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20 Let each man stay in that calling in which he was called.
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21 Were you called being a bondservant? Don’t let that bother you, but if you get an opportunity to become free, use it.
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22 For he who was called in the Lord being a bondservant is the Lord’s free man. Likewise he who was called being free is Christ’s bondservant.
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23 You were bought with a price. Don’t become bondservants of men.
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24 Brothers, let each man, in whatever condition he was called, stay in that condition with God.
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25 Now concerning virgins, I have no commandment from the Lord, but I give my judgment as one who has obtained mercy from the Lord to be trustworthy.
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26 Therefore I think that because of the distress that is on us, that it’s good for a man to remain as he is.
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27 Are you bound to a wife? Don’t seek to be freed. Are you free from a wife? Don’t seek a wife.
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28 But if you marry, you have not sinned. If a virgin marries, she has not sinned. Yet such will have oppression in the flesh, and I want to spare you.
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29 But I say this, brothers: the time is short, that from now on, both those who have wives may be as though they had none;
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30 and those who weep, as though they didn’t weep; and those who rejoice, as though they didn’t rejoice; and those who buy, as though they didn’t possess;
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31 and those who use the world, as not using it to the fullest. For the mode of this world passes away.
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32 But I desire to have you to be free from cares. He who is unmarried is concerned for the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord;
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33 but he who is married is concerned about the things of the world, how he may please his wife.
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34 There is also a difference between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman cares about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit. But she who is married cares about the things of the world—how she may please her husband.
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35 This I say for your own profit; not that I may ensnare you, but for that which is appropriate, and that you may attend to the Lord without distraction.
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36 But if any man thinks that he is behaving inappropriately toward his virgin, if she is past the flower of her age, and if need so requires, let him do what he desires. He doesn’t sin. Let them marry.
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37 But he who stands steadfast in his heart, having no urgency, but has power over his own will, and has determined in his own heart to keep his own virgin, does well.
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38 So then both he who gives his own virgin in marriage does well, and he who doesn’t give her in marriage does better.
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39 A wife is bound by law for as long as her husband lives; but if the husband is dead, she is free to be married to whomever she desires, only in the Lord.
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40 But she is happier if she stays as she is, in my judgment, and I think that I also have God’s Spirit.
What This Chapter Is Really Saying
Context of Relationships
In this chapter, Paul addresses questions that the Corinthian church had about marriage, celibacy, and sexual morality. He starts by acknowledging that, while it's good for a man not to touch a woman, the realities of life mean that many will desire intimate relationships.
The Role of Marriage
Paul emphasizes that because of sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband. He highlights the mutual responsibilities in marriage, where both spouses owe affection to one another. In a surprising twist, he points out that in a marriage, neither partner truly owns their body; it belongs to the other. This mutual submission creates a foundation of respect and love.
Celibacy vs. Marriage
He shares his personal preference for celibacy, stating that it allows for greater focus on spiritual matters. However, he recognizes that not everyone has the same capacity for self-control, advising those who struggle with desire to marry rather than face temptation. This is one of those moments where his practical wisdom shines through - better to marry than to "burn" with desire.
Guidance for Mixed Marriages
Paul also discusses situations where one partner in a marriage is a believer and the other is not. He encourages believers to stay with their unbelieving spouses as long as there is mutual consent, suggesting that their presence can sanctify the family. However, if the unbelieving partner chooses to leave, the believer is not bound.
Stay True to Your Calling
The chapter concludes with Paul advising everyone to remain in the situation they were in when they were called by God. Whether single, married, or even a servant, each person should focus on serving God in their current circumstances. He encourages those married to prioritize their relationship while also being mindful of the fleeting nature of worldly concerns.
Why It Matters
Timeless Wisdom on Relationships
1 Corinthians 7 offers profound insights into love and commitment that transcend time. Paul's emphasis on mutual respect in marriage is a cornerstone for healthy relationships today.
Embrace Your Situation
Whether you're single or married, Paul reminds us that we can find fulfillment in our current state. Learning to serve God wholeheartedly in whatever condition we find ourselves is a powerful message. It encourages a focus on spiritual growth rather than societal pressures.
The Importance of Affection
In a world that often prioritizes individualism, the call for mutual affection in marriage is refreshing. This is a reminder that relationships require effort, care, and mutual submission.
If you're seeking support or community in your journey of faith and relationships, consider using Sancta to find a church near you. Connecting with others who share your beliefs can provide the encouragement and insight you need to navigate life's challenges.
Coming Up Next: 1 Corinthians 8
In the next part of our journey through 1 Corinthians 8, Paul tackles the topic of food offered to idols, exploring the balance between knowledge, love, and the impact of our choices on others. Don't miss the next chapter where we continue to uncover wisdom for modern living.