Tyndale Open Study Notes1 Corinthians 7

Paul now answers the questions the Corinthians asked him in a letter, starting with the topic of marriage (see 1 Corinthians 7:25; 8:1; 12:1; 16:1).

Paul often says that true Christians, as servants of Christ, belong completely to Christ for his service. Because of this, he suggests Christians stay single. However, he admits that getting married is not a sin.

It is good to abstain from sexual relations: Both Paul and Jesus encouraged living a celibate life for God (see Matthew 19:10–12). Paul's emphasis on celibacy may have been shaped by his expectation that the end of the age was near (see 1 Corinthians 7:29–31).

Due to widespread sexual immorality, Paul advises most Christians to marry (1 Corinthians 7:9). He balances the ideal of celibacy with an understanding of physical needs.

To avoid the temptation of sexual immorality, married Christians should consider their spouse's sexual needs. Both partners have the right to sexual intimacy in marriage, and they should not withhold it. In marriage, each person gives their spouse authority over their body, but this authority should never be abused.

Paul prefers being single, but he acknowledges that both marriage and being single are gifts from God to different people.

Paul advises that staying unmarried is better because it allows more opportunities to serve Christ without distraction (1 Corinthians 7:32–35). However, even with its distractions, an honorable marriage is much better than living with unsatisfied sexual desire.

• Paul advises Christian couples considering divorce.

• not I, but the Lord: This does not mean Paul's other instructions (see 1 Corinthians 7:12, 25, 40) have less authority. It means this advice is based on known teachings of Jesus (see Matthew 5:32; 19:9; Mark 10:11–12; Luke 16:18).

• But if she does: Paul recognizes that some couples struggle to live together, but even then, they must honor their marriage vows and remain faithful to their spouse alone (see 1 Corinthians 7:27; Romans 7:2).

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• Paul now addresses Christians married to non-believers.

• I, not the Lord: Paul knew of no specific teaching from Jesus for this situation, but his advice is clear. Believers should remain faithful and honor their marriage commitment.

By staying committed to the marriage, the Christian makes the unbelieving spouse holy. This holiness also benefits the children, who gain from having a Christian parent (see Malachi 2:15).

If the unbeliever ends the marriage, the believing husband or wife can let them go. God wants his people to live in peace, not in the unbearable conflict of a mixed marriage that the non-Christian spouse no longer wants.

There is always hope that the believing spouse will lead the unbelieving partner to faith in Christ. However, the Greek text is unclear and might also mean there is no guarantee the believing partner will ever convince the unbelieving spouse.

Paul says Christians should accept the life God has given them.

Generally, Christians should stay in the social situation they were in when they first became believers (see 1 Corintihans 7:20, 24).

Circumcision shows the principle mentioned earlier (1 Corinthians 7:17). All Jewish males were circumcised. Some tried to reverse it to fit into Gentile society (see 1 Maccabees 1:14–15; Josephus, Antiquities 12.5.1), but Paul advises against this. Circumcision is not very important compared to following God's commandments, like loving God and others (see also Romans 2:28–29; 4:9–12; Galatians 5:2–6; 6:12–15; Philippians 3:2–3).

• Slavery shows the general idea mentioned in 1 Corinthians 7:17, 20, 24. Slavery was common in the Greco-Roman world, and many Christian converts were slaves serving wealthy families. According to Paul, like circumcision, being a slave is not very important for a Christian. Even as a slave, a Christian is spiritually free from sin, death, and the law (see Romans 6:14; 7:4–6; 8:2). As a free person, the believer is still a servant of Christ (see Ephesians 6:5–6; 1 Peter 2:16).

• As someone bought at a high price, the free Christian should not be controlled by the world (see 1 Cor 6:20).

Paul provides three reasons why it is often better for single people to stay unmarried. First, single people face fewer daily problems than married people. Second, since the end is near, Christians should not let marriage and worldly matters be their main focus. Their main focus should be Christ and eternity. Third, marriage involves earthly responsibilities and divided interests, so those who stay single can dedicate their lives more fully to serving Christ.

Paul suggests choosing a celibate life over marriage. However, he permits marriage if sexual desires become too tempting. Those who can control their desires well should consider celibacy.

A widow may marry another man, but only if he loves the Lord. Paul strongly advised Christians not to marry non-believers (see 2 Corinthians 6:14–16).