1 Corinthians Chapter 7 — Instructions on Marriage and Devotion
Paul addresses questions about marriage and singleness, encouraging believers to remain devoted to the Lord regardless of their domestic status.
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Notable Verses
1 Corinthians 7:7
“Yet I wish that all men were like me. However, each man has his own gift from God, one of this kind, and another of that kind.”
This verse establishes that both singleness and marriage are considered spiritual gifts from God.
1 Corinthians 7:23
“You were bought with a price. Don’t become bondservants of men.”
This highlights the core identity of a believer as being owned by Christ, regardless of their earthly status.
1 Corinthians 7:35
“This I say for your own benefit, not that I may ensnare you, but for that which is appropriate, and that you may attend to the Lord without distraction.”
It explains that Paul's advice is intended to help believers focus more clearly on their relationship with God.
Chapter Summary
In 1 Corinthians 7, the apostle Paul responds to specific inquiries from the Corinthian church regarding marriage, celibacy, and social status. He begins by affirming that marriage is a legitimate and helpful way to avoid sexual immorality, stressing the importance of mutual responsibility between husbands and wives. Paul expresses a personal preference for singleness, viewing it as a 'gift' that allows for undivided service to God, but acknowledges that marriage is equally valid. He provides specific instructions for the married, the widowed, and those in 'mixed' marriages with unbelievers, urging believers to maintain their marriages whenever possible for the sake of peace and sanctification. Furthermore, Paul introduces the principle of 'remaining in your calling,' advising believers not to let their social or marital status become a source of undue anxiety. The chapter concludes with a focus on the transitory nature of the world, suggesting that whether married or single, the believer's priority should be attending to the things of the Lord without distraction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Paul views marriage as an honorable state that provides a safeguard against immorality and requires mutual devotion between spouses. While he personally recommends singleness for the sake of ministry, he clearly states that those who marry have not sinned and should fulfill their marital duties.
Paul commands that married believers should not separate or divorce. However, he acknowledges that if an unbelieving spouse chooses to depart, the believer is not under bondage, emphasizing that God has called His people to live in peace.
This phrase refers to Paul's perspective on the fleeting nature of the present world and the impending return of Christ. He uses this urgency to encourage believers to hold loosely to worldly concerns and focus on eternal priorities.
Paul suggests that the presence of a believer in a marriage brings a level of spiritual blessing and set-apartness to the household. This does not automatically mean the unbeliever is saved, but it suggests the home remains a place where God's grace is active.
Study Note
The Greek word 'charis' is used here to describe both singleness and marriage as specific 'gifts' or 'graces' enabled by God for different individuals.
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