1 Corinthians 7:1-24
Q.1. What issues was the apostle addressing with the Corinthian church? How do we reconcile the idea of not touching a woman, with the practice of “greeting one another with a holy kiss”? What makes marriage helpful? – (1 Cor.7:1-2)
The context of the chapter suggests that Paul was giving principles for interpersonal relationships. It appears that some Corinthians were leaving their unbelieving spouses and pairing up with other believers. Paul also discussed the difficult question of singleness for believers (1 Cor.7:17,20,24). The apostles upheld the general cultural practice of sharing a holy kiss, so physical contact was not taboo in the churches (Rom.16:16; 1 Cor.16:20; 2 Cor.13:12;1 Thes.5:26; 1 Pet.5:14). However, here Paul acknowledged the danger of sensual physical touch, that can be a prelude to sexual expression (1 Cor.7:1). He was well aware of the danger of crossing the line into sexually immoral (Greek: porneia) behaviour, so advised – 1 Now concerning the things about which you wrote, it is good for a man not to touch a woman. 2 But because of immoralities, each man is to have his own wife, and each woman is to have her own husband (1 Cor.7:1 & 2). Marriage reduces the temptation of sexual immorality.
Q.2. What sexual responsibility must each spouse fulfill? Is there any justification for sexual abuse? When is sexual abstinence in marriage permissible? Why is it not advisable? – (1 Cor.7:3-5)
esus reinforced God’s original intention for marriage, when He quoted from Genesis – 4 … that He who created them from the beginning made them male and female, 5 and said, `For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’ (Mt.19:4-5). Consequently, both the male and female have responsibilities to each other (1 Cor.7:3-4). The decision to abstain sexually must be by mutual agreement – … so that you may devote yourselves to prayer and come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control (1 Cor.7:5). Whenever spouses stay apart, this increases sexual temptation in its various forms. However, there is nothing in the Bible that gives permission for sexual abuse. God has not called us for the purpose of impurity (c.f. 1 Thes.4:3-7).
Q.3. When is it better to marry than stay single? Was Paul addressing normal circumstances? What is taught about the separation of believers and unbelievers? Why should we be cautious to separate? – (1 Cor.7:6-16)
Paul understood the advantage of singleness, especially because of stress placed on marriage and families during a time of persecution (c.f. 1 Cor.7:26; 2 Cor.11:23-27). The unmarried can have an undivided focus on pleasing the Lord, and an undistracted devotion to Him. (c.f. 1 Cor.7:32-35). Nevertheless, Paul accepted that it required a special gift from God, in order to pursue singleness (1 Cor.7:7 c.f. Mt.19:11-12). Furthermore – if they do not have self-control, let them marry; for it is better to marry than to burn with passion (1 Cor.7:9). Paul also alluded to the prevailing persecution, which made singleness a better option – I think then that this is good in view of the present distress, that it is good for a man to remain as he is (1 Cor.7:26). The Lord had given direct teaching on some matters (1 Cor.7:10). Other issues had not been addressed by Him. Paul, under inspiration from the Holy Spirit, gave God’s direction on how these matters were to be lived out (1 Cor.7:6, 8, 12 c.f. 2 Pet1:20-21). Christ taught that a spouse should not divorce for trivial reasons, but only with the exception of sexual immorality (c.f. Mt.19:9 – Greek: ‘porneia’ c.f. Mt.19:3-9; 1 Cor.7:10). Sometimes separating from a spouse may be the only option. However, unless there are Biblical grounds, neither should remarry (1 Cor.7:10-11). Paul told the Corinthians that a believer is not to send the unbelieving spouse away – Yet if the unbelieving one leaves, let him leave; the brother or the sister is not under bondage in such cases, but God has called us to peace (1 Cor.7:15). Paul here seemed to give the case for allowing an unbelieving spouse to abandon the marriage, if that is what he/she has decided to do. He advised caution in breaking up a marriage, because a believer can have a sanctifying influence over the unbelieving spouse (1 Cor.7:16). Everyone should act with a clear conscience toward the Lord (c.f. Rom.14:4-5).
Q.4. What point was Paul making? Why should we keep to the status in which we were called? How does belonging to Christ change everything? – (1 Cor.7:17-24)
Paul wrote to urge the Corinthians to stay in the marital status to which they have been called – as the Lord has assigned to each one, as God has called each, in this manner let him walk. And so I direct in all the churches (1 Cor.7:17 c.f. 1 Cor.7:20, 24). This he applied to those who were married and those who were single. Nevertheless, he accepted that not all are called to stay single. He used the example of circumcision, to show that ‘to be or not to be’ is of little importance. Rather – … what matters is the keeping of the commandments of God (1 Cor.7:19). In other words, being single is not superior to being married. What matters is that we are pleasing God. Though Paul accepted that it was preferable to be free from slavery, both the slaves, and those who are free, can equally serve and please God (1 Cor.7:21). The fact is that Christ has changed the status of all believers – 22 For he who was called in the Lord while a slave, is the Lord’s freedman; Likewise, he who was called while free, is Christ’s slave. 23 You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men (1 Cor.7:22-23). The essential issue is how God views us, and not how others, or even society views us. Regardless of our marital status, we should live lives that are pleasing to God.