1 Corinthians 7:25-40
Q.1. Was it wrong for singles to marry? How dangerous was marrying during times of persecution? What made it wise to hide your beliefs and marital state? – (1 Cor.7:25-32)
Paul thought it best for people to remain single, if God had given them the gift of singleness (1 Cor.7:6-7). To save them from trouble, it was Paul’s opinion that because of the persecution of his days – that it is good for a man to remain as he is (1 Cor.7:25-26 c.f. Acts 8:1-3; 11:19; 18:2; 1 Cor.7:28-29). He indicated that under the prevailing conditions of persecution, life was uncertain. Besides they should be wary of settling down – … For this world in its present form is passing away (1 Cor.7:31). Nevertheless, Paul reiterated that – if you marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned (1 Cor.7:28). He seemed to suggest that it is safer to live with no marital responsibilities, because of the prevailing opposition against Christians (1 Cor.7:29-30). It was much easier to move about and make decisions quickly without the responsibilities of a spouse and children. Paul explained that – I want you to be free from concern (1 Cor.7:32).
Q.2. Where was the focus for single believers? What added responsibilities did marriage bring? What was Paul’s desire for the believers? – (1 Cor.7:32-35)
Paul gave reasons why singleness could be better than marriage, by highlighting that – … 32 one who is unmarried is concerned about the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord … 34 The woman who is unmarried, and the virgin, is concerned about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and spirit (1 Cor.7:32 & 34). By comparison, the – 33 one who is married is concerned about the things of the world, how he may please his wife … 34 and his interests are divided … and the one who is married is concerned about the things of the world, how she may please her husband (1 Cor.7:33-34). Paul sought the best for believers and explained – … 35 This I say for your own benefit; not to put a restraint upon you, but to promote what is appropriate and to secure undistracted devotion to the Lord (1 Cor.7:35). Paul gave this advice particularly to those gifted to not marry, and also to those experiencing persecution
Q.3. What did Paul mean by acting improperly to a virgin? Is a widow free to marry again? – (1 Cor.7:36-40)
These verses create difficult choices for translators working from the original Greek (1 Cor.7:36-40). The NASB translation renders 1 Corinthians 7:36 – If any man thinks that he is acting unbecomingly toward his virgin daughter, if she is past her youth, and if it must be so, let him do what he wishes, he does not sin; let her marry. The NIV reads – If anyone is worried that he might not be acting honourably toward the virgin he is engaged to, and if his passions are too strong and he feels he ought to marry, he should do as he wants. He is not sinning. They should get married. The ESV translates it – If anyone thinks that he is not behaving properly toward his betrothed, if his passions are strong, and it has to be, let him do as he wishes … let them marry—it is no sin. Some translators see this passage as being addressed to a father making wedding arrangements for his betrothed daughter. Others see it as instructions to a person engaged to be married to a mature virgin, according to the culture of the day. We can conclude that Paul: (i) Considered singleness was a better option for ministry in his day (1 Cor.7:6-8, 26, 29-30). (ii) Considered that singleness required a gift from God (1 Cor.7:7 c.f. Mt.19:11-12). (iii) Considered marriage was preferable for those who battled to control their sexual urges (1 Cor.7:8-9). (iv) Considered singleness was better during times of persecution (1 Cor.7:26 & 29-30). (v) Considered that marrying was not sinful (1 Cor.7:28 & 36, 38). (vi) Considered singleness was less distracting to a life of devotion to the Lord (1 Cor.7:28, 32-35). Paul closed his teaching by underscoring the permanence of marriage … ‘till death do us part’ and that Christian widows or widowers should only marry those who are believers – A woman is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but he must belong to the Lord (1 Cor.7:39 c.f. Rom.7:1-3).