1 Corinthians7

Paul addresses the Corinthians' questions regarding marriage and celibacy, advocating marriage as a safeguard against fornication while also commending celibacy for those able to contain themselves for undistracted devotion. He provides guidance on mutual marital duties and divorce, distinguishing between his counsel and the Lord's command. A key theme is remaining in the state wherein one was called, whether married, unmarried, circumcised, or servant, focusing on devotion to God.

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Marriage, Abstinence, and Mutual Duty

Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.

But, because of fornications, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband.

Let the husband render unto the wife her due: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.

The wife hath not power over her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power over his own body, but the wife.

Defraud ye not one the other, except it be by consent for a season, that ye may give yourselves unto prayer, and may be together again, that Satan tempt you not because of your incontinency.

But this I say by way of concession, not of commandment.

Yet I would that all men were even as I myself. Howbeit each man hath his own gift from God, one after this manner, and another after that.

Advice for the Unmarried and Widows

But I say to the unmarried and to widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I.

But if they have not continency, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.

Commands for Christian Marriage

But unto the married I give charge, yea not I, but the Lord, That the wife depart not from her husband

(but should she depart, let her remain unmarried, or else be reconciled to her husband); and that the husband leave not his wife.

Mixed Marriages and Divorce

But to the rest say I, not the Lord: If any brother hath an unbelieving wife, and she is content to dwell with him, let him not leave her.

And the woman that hath an unbelieving husband, and he is content to dwell with her, let her not leave her husband.

For the unbelieving husband is sanctified in the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified in the brother: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.

Yet if the unbelieving departeth, let him depart: the brother or the sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us in peace.

For how knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O husband, whether thou shalt save thy wife?

Remain in Your Calling

Only, as the Lord hath distributed to each man, as God hath called each, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all the churches.

Was any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Hath any been called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised.

Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing; but the keeping of the commandments of God.

Let each man abide in that calling wherein he was called.

Wast thou called being a bondservant? care not for it: nay, even if thou canst become free, use it rather.

For he that was called in the Lord being a bondservant, is the Lord’s freedman: likewise he that was called being free, is Christ’s bondservant.

Ye were bought with a price; become not bondservants of men.

Brethren, let each man, wherein he was called, therein abide with God.

Counsel Concerning Virgins and the Present Distress

Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: but I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be trustworthy.

I think therefore that this is good by reason of the distress that is upon us, namely, that it is good for a man to be as he is.

Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife.

But shouldest thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Yet such shall have tribulation in the flesh: and I would spare you.

But this I say, brethren, the time is shortened, that henceforth both those that have wives may be as though they had none;

and those that weep, as though they wept not; and those that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and those that buy, as though they possessed not;

and those that use the world, as not using it to the full: for the fashion of this world passeth away.

But I would have you to be free from cares. He that is unmarried is careful for the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord:

but he that is married is careful for the things of the world, how he may please his wife,

and is divided. So also the woman that is unmarried and the virgin is careful for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married is careful for the things of the world, how she may please her husband.

And this I say for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is seemly, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction.

Decisions Regarding Engagement and Marriage

But if any man thinketh that he behaveth himself unseemly toward his virgin daughter, if she be past the flower of her age, and if need so requireth, let him do what he will; he sinneth not; let them marry.

But he that standeth stedfast in his heart, having no necessity, but hath power as touching his own will, and hath determined this in his own heart, to keep his own virgin daughter, shall do well.

So then both he that giveth his own virgin daughter in marriage doeth well; and he that giveth her not in marriage shall do better.

Remarriage of Widows

A wife is bound for so long time as her husband liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is free to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.

But she is happier if she abide as she is, after my judgment: and I think that I also have the Spirit of God.

Study Notes for 1 Corinthians 7

Verse 1

Paul begins by addressing questions raised by the Corinthians, likely concerning an ascetic belief circulating in Corinth that advocated total sexual abstinence, even within marriage.

Verse 2

Paul establishes marriage as the necessary and proper means for avoiding widespread sexual immorality (fornication), thus validating sexual relations within the marital covenant.

Verse 3

The term 'due benevolence' refers to the mutual obligation to provide sexual fulfillment. Paul insists on equality and reciprocity within the marriage relationship.

Verse 4

This verse emphasizes the radical mutuality of Christian marriage, where neither spouse holds exclusive control over their own body, a concept highly counter-cultural in the patriarchal Roman world.

Verse 5

Abstinence must be temporary, mutual, and for a specific spiritual purpose (fasting and prayer). Paul warns against prolonged, forced abstinence, which creates vulnerability to temptation.

Verse 6

Paul clarifies that his allowance for marriage and sexual union is a concession to human weakness ('permission'), not an absolute command or a prohibition against celibacy for those gifted for it.

Verse 7

Paul states his personal preference for celibacy, which allows for undivided devotion, but immediately qualifies this by stressing that both singleness and marriage are distinct 'gifts of God.'

Verse 9

To 'burn' refers metaphorically to the inner torment and danger of unchecked sexual passion (lust). Marriage is presented as the morally superior remedy to avoid falling into sin.

Verse 10

Paul distinguishes between his own apostolic advice and a direct teaching that originated with Jesus himself (cf. Matt 5:32; Mark 10:11-12), establishing the permanence of the marriage bond.

Verse 11

If a separation does occur, reconciliation is the only acceptable outcome, reinforcing the strictness of Christ's command against divorce and remarriage.

Verse 12

Paul now addresses a complex situation not explicitly covered by Christ’s teaching: a marriage between a believer and an unbeliever. He uses his own apostolic authority to provide guidance.

Verse 14

The 'sanctification' is relational, not salvific. The believing spouse's presence sets the household apart, making the children 'holy' (set apart, legitimate members of the covenant community) rather than 'unclean.'

Verse 15

This verse provides the 'Pauline Privilege.' If the unbelieving partner initiates the departure, the believing spouse is free from the marriage bond, as God has called believers to peace, not persistent strife.

Verse 16

Paul introduces a note of humility regarding evangelism within marriage. While believers should seek their spouse’s salvation, the uncertainty of success should not be the sole motivation for remaining in a volatile marriage.

Verse 17

This verse introduces the overarching principle for stability: believers should generally remain in the social, ethnic, or marital status (calling) they held when converted. This principle applies universally.

Verse 18

This addresses a Jewish-Gentile issue in Corinth. Paul insists that external status (circumcision) is irrelevant to one's new identity in Christ.

Verse 19

Paul minimizes the importance of external religious markers compared to inward commitment, stressing that obedience to God's moral law is what matters.

Verse 21

Paul advises slaves not to fret over their status, emphasizing spiritual freedom. However, he adds a clear preference: if freedom is attainable ('use it rather'), they should pursue it.

Verse 22

This verse provides the theological grounding for the previous advice: all believers, regardless of social status, are ultimately servants of Christ and free in Him.

Verse 23

The reminder that they were 'bought with a price' (Christ's sacrifice) means that ultimate allegiance belongs to God, not to human masters or systems; they should not become psychologically or spiritually enslaved to men.

Verse 25

Paul returns to the unmarried, distinguishing his advice ('my judgment') from a direct command of the Lord, basing his recommendation on his apostolic faithfulness.

Verse 26

The 'present distress' (or 'impending necessity') likely refers to the persecution, hardship, or eschatological urgency faced by the church, influencing Paul's preference for singleness.

Verse 28

Marriage is affirmed as sinless, but Paul warns that it inevitably brings 'trouble in the flesh' (worldly anxieties and burdens) that complicate Christian commitment during times of distress.

Verse 29

'The time is short' reinforces the eschatological context. Paul advises a detached, non-possessive attitude toward all worldly attachments—including marriage—due to the urgency of the age.

Verse 31

Believers are to use the world but not be consumed by it ('not abusing it'), recognizing that the current structure and priorities of the world are temporary and 'passeth away.'

Verse 32

Paul argues that singleness inherently allows for undivided devotion to God, freeing one from the temporal, necessary concerns ('carefulness') of providing for a spouse.

Verse 36

This section addresses a father or guardian ('any man') and his daughter ('his virgin'). If the daughter is past her prime or if the guardian feels he is acting improperly by restricting her, they should marry.

Verse 38

Paul sets up a comparison: giving a daughter in marriage ('doeth well') is good, but maintaining her singleness for spiritual devotion ('doeth better') is the preferred choice, assuming no necessity for marriage exists.

Verse 39

Paul confirms the duration of the marriage bond ('as long as her husband liveth'). Widows are free to remarry, but only if the new spouse is also a believer ('only in the Lord').

Verse 40

Paul reaffirms his judgment that remaining unmarried is 'happier' for the widow, grounding his advice in his belief that he speaks under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

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1 Corinthians7

Marriage, Abstinence, and Mutual Duty

Advice for the Unmarried and Widows

Commands for Christian Marriage

Mixed Marriages and Divorce

Remain in Your Calling

Counsel Concerning Virgins and the Present Distress

Decisions Regarding Engagement and Marriage

Remarriage of Widows

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