1 Corinthians 7 - Summary

Historical setting

Corinth in the first century AD was a prosperous Roman city rebuilt on the ruins of the classical Greek city, with a busy port and a mixed population. Paul had founded a Christian community there on his second missionary journey, and some years later (the date of this letter is uncertain, probably the mid-50s) he writes in response to written questions from the church. The city was known for sexual vice, and many converts came from pagan backgrounds where temple prostitution and loose morality were ordinary. The Jerusalem church still upheld Jewish law; the Corinthian church was gentile and confused about what rules now applied to them.

Life and customs

Marriage in the Roman world was a legal contract and an economic arrangement, typically arranged by families. A wife passed from her father's authority to her husband's. Divorce was available to both men and women but treated differently socially. Virgins were valued for their purity. Singleness was uncommon and often viewed with suspicion. Jewish law forbade a man to remain unmarried after puberty, though this was not strictly enforced everywhere. The phrase "to touch a woman" (verse 1) was understood as a euphemism for sexual intercourse. Widows had limited means and were considered vulnerable; remarriage was expected unless they had family support.

What the text says

Paul answers a letter from the Corinthians (verse 1). He states it is good not to have sexual relations with a woman (verse 1), but he immediately qualifies this: marriage is the remedy for lust, and each spouse should render the other sexual affection (verses 2-4). Spouses should not deprive one another except by agreement and only for prayer and fasting (verse 5). Paul clarifies that this is guidance, not a command (verse 6). He wants all to remain unmarried as he is, but acknowledges different gifts come from God (verse 7).

For the unmarried and widows, singleness is good if they can maintain it (verse 8). If they burn with desire, let them marry, which is better than sexual sin (verse 9). For the already married: the Lord commands wives not to leave their husbands, and husbands not to divorce their wives (verses 10-11). When a believer is married to an unbeliever, Paul says: if the unbeliever consents to stay, do not separate (verses 12-13). The unbelieving spouse is made holy through the believer, and the children are holy (verse 14). If the unbeliever departs, let them go; the believer is free, for God calls to peace (verse 15). The believer may yet save their spouse (verses 15-16).

Paul then broadens his principle: walk in the calling where God placed you (verses 17-18). Circumcision status does not matter; keeping God's commands does (verse 19). Remain in the calling where you were called (verse 20). A servant called into the Lord is the Lord's freed person; the free person is Christ's servant (verses 21-22). You are bought with a price; do not become servants of people (verse 23).

On virgins, Paul says he has no command from the Lord, but gives his judgment (verse 25). Because of present distress, he thinks remaining unmarried is good (verse 26). If bound to a wife, do not seek release; if free, do not seek a wife (verse 27). Marrying is not sin, but married life brings earthly troubles (verse 28). The time is short; act as though worldly ties do not hold you (verses 29-31). The unmarried person cares for the Lord's things; the married person cares for worldly things and pleasing a spouse (verses 32-34). He speaks for the Corinthians' benefit and undistracted devotion to the Lord (verse 35).

If a man thinks he is treating his virgin stepdaughter or ward uncomely and she is past her prime, he may marry her without sin (verse 36). But the one who stands firm and does not marry her does better (verse 37-38). A wife is bound to her husband for life; if widowed, she is free to remarry in the Lord, though remaining unmarried is happier (verses 39-40).

Takeaways

• Paul permits marriage as protection against sexual desire but views singleness as spiritually superior for undivided devotion to God.
• Believers married to unbelievers should stay, as this may lead to the unbeliever's salvation, unless the unbeliever abandons the marriage.
• The underlying concern throughout is that earthly arrangements are temporary and should not distract from following God.