Imagine navigating the complex waters of relationships with a guide who understands your struggles. In 1 Corinthians 7, Paul addresses some tough questions about marriage and singleness that are still relevant today.
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
Paul's Take on Relationships
In this chapter, Paul starts by responding to questions the Corinthians had sent him. He begins by pointing out that while it's generally good for a man not to engage in sexual relationships, the reality of sexual immorality makes marriage essential for many.
The Importance of Marriage
He emphasizes the mutual responsibilities of husbands and wives, insisting that each partner has authority over the other's body. This highlights the importance of intimacy and affection in a marriage. Paul also advises that couples should not deprive each other unless they both agree to a temporary separation for prayer and fasting.
Singleness vs. Marriage
Paul shares his personal preference for singleness, suggesting it allows one to focus on serving the Lord without distractions. Yet, he acknowledges that not everyone has the gift of celibacy. For those who struggle with self-control, he encourages marriage as a healthier alternative.
Staying in Your Calling
He advises believers to remain in the situations they were in when they became Christians, whether single or married, and reassures them that their relationships can still be meaningful and significant. He explains that marriage is honorable, but the trials of life can bring challenges.
Final Thoughts
Paul concludes with reflections on the temporary nature of the world, urging believers to live with a sense of urgency and purpose, whether married or single.
Why It Matters
Understanding Relationships Today
1 Corinthians 7 offers timeless wisdom for navigating relationships in our modern lives. It encourages us to recognize the value of both marriage and singleness. Each path has its blessings and challenges, and understanding this can help us appreciate our own situations better.
Mutual Respect in Marriage
Paul's emphasis on mutual authority over bodies in marriage highlights the importance of respect and intimacy. Healthy relationships thrive on this mutual care, which is crucial for emotional and spiritual well-being.
Focus on God
For those who are single, the chapter is a reminder of the freedom that comes with focusing on God. It encourages singles to invest their time and energy into serving others and building their relationship with Christ.
Life's journey can be challenging, but finding community is vital. If you're looking for support and fellowship, consider using Sancta to find a church near you.
Accepting Our Circumstances
Lastly, Paul's call to stay in the condition you were called encourages us to embrace our current life stage and make the most of it for God's glory. Regardless of our relationship status, we can find purpose and fulfillment in serving others and engaging in our communities.
Coming Up Next: 1 Corinthians 8
In the next part of our journey through 1 Corinthians, we'll dive into chapter 8, where Paul tackles the issue of food offered to idols. How does this relate to today's choices? Join us to find out!