1 Corinthians 7

1 Corinthians 7 addresses issues related to marriage, singleness, and personal calling within the Christian community in Corinth. Paul responds to questions posed by the Corinthians themselves, providing guidance that balances the sacredness of marriage with the virtues of singleness, especially in the context of imminent persecution and distress.

1 Corinthians 7:1 (NKJV) Now concerning the things of which you wrote to me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.

Paul begins by addressing the Corinthians' concerns about celibacy and sexual relations. He acknowledges that abstaining from marriage and sexual relations can be beneficial in terms of focusing on spiritual pursuits, but he does not mandate celibacy for all.

1 Corinthians 7:2 (NKJV) Nevertheless, because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband.

Given the temptation of sexual immorality, Paul advises that each man should have one wife and each woman one husband. This counsel promotes monogamy as a normative safeguard against promiscuity and ensures mutual support and fidelity within marriage.

1 Corinthians 7:3-4 (NKJV) Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, and likewise also the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does; and likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does.

Paul emphasizes the reciprocal rights of marital relations, stressing that in marriage, spouses yield authority over their bodies to each other. This mutual submission fosters a balanced relationship where neither spouse dominates, highlighting the theme of loving service to one another.

1 Corinthians 7:5 (NKJV) Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.

Paul advises married couples not to abstain from sexual relations unless both agree temporarily for spiritual activities like prayer and fasting. This temporary abstinence should be consensual, purposeful, and limited to prevent temptations that might arise from unmet physical needs.

1 Corinthians 7:6-7 (NKJV) But I say this as a concession, not as a commandment. For I wish that all men were even as I myself. But each has his own gift from God, one in this manner and another in that.

Paul clarifies that his advice about marital relations is a practical guideline, not a divine command. He expresses a personal preference for singleness, which he views as a gift enabling greater focus on spiritual matters, but recognizes that not everyone has this gift.

1 Corinthians 7:8-9 (NKJV) But I say to the unmarried and to the widows: It is good for them if they remain even as I am; but if they cannot exercise self-control, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.

Paul advises unmarried individuals and widows that staying single is beneficial, particularly in devoting themselves to God without distraction. However, for those who struggle with celibacy and face strong sexual desires, he recommends marriage as a legitimate and better alternative than succumbing to immorality.

1 Corinthians 7:10-11 (NKJV) Now to the married I command, yet not I but the Lord: A wife is not to depart from her husband. But even if she does depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband. And a husband is not to divorce his wife.

Paul reiterates Jesus' teachings on marriage, emphasizing that divorce is not in line with God’s will. If separation occurs, Paul advises reconciliation or continued singleness, reinforcing the permanence and sanctity of the marital bond as viewed by God.

1 Corinthians 7:12-13 (NKJV) But to the rest I, not the Lord, say: If any brother has a wife who does not believe, and she is willing to live with him, let him not divorce her. And a woman who has a husband who does not believe, if he is willing to live with her, let her not divorce him.

Paul offers guidance on mixed marriages where one spouse is a believer and the other is not. If the unbelieving partner agrees to continue the marriage, the believing spouse should also commit to maintaining the marriage, thereby fostering an environment where the unbelieving spouse might be influenced by Christian values.

1 Corinthians 7:14 (NKJV) For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband; otherwise your children would be unclean, but now they are holy.

This verse suggests a kind of sanctifying effect of the believing spouse on the unbelieving partner and their children. The presence of a believer within the family brings God’s blessings, which extend to the children, countering notions that children from mixed marriages were spiritually disadvantaged.

1 Corinthians 7:15 (NKJV) But if the unbeliever departs, let him depart; a brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases. But God has called us to peace.

Paul acknowledges that if an unbelieving spouse chooses to leave, the Christian is not obligated to maintain the marital bond under such circumstances. This release from marital duties emphasizes God’s desire for His followers to live in peace, rather than in strife and discord.

1 Corinthians 7:16 (NKJV) For how do you know, O wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, O husband, whether you will save your wife?

Paul poses a rhetorical question to remind believers that they cannot predict or control the salvation of their unbelieving spouse. Each individual’s journey to faith is unique and not necessarily the result of marital influence, underscoring the importance of letting God work in each person’s life.

1 Corinthians 7:17 (NKJV) But as God has distributed to each one, as the Lord has called each one, so let him walk. And so I ordain in all the churches.

Paul encourages believers to continue in the life circumstances in which they were called to faith. Whether married, single, or widowed, they should live out their Christian commitments faithfully, recognizing their unique positions as opportunities to serve God.

1 Corinthians 7:18-19 (NKJV) Was anyone called while circumcised? Let him not become uncircumcised. Was anyone called while uncircumcised? Let him not be circumcised. Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing, but keeping the commandments of God is what matters.

These verses emphasize that external religious rites, like circumcision, do not affect one’s standing before God in the Christian community. What truly matters is obedience to God’s commandments, transcending cultural or ritualistic distinctions.

1 Corinthians 7:20 (NKJV) Let each one remain in the same calling in which he was called.

Paul reiterates his earlier advice for believers to continue in their current life situation when they were called to faith, stressing the principle that God’s call can be fulfilled in various life contexts, not just in changing external circumstances.

1 Corinthians 7:21-22 (NKJV) Were you called while a slave? Do not be concerned about it; but if you can be made free, rather use it. For he who is called in the Lord while a slave is the Lord’s freedman. Likewise he who is called while free is Christ’s slave.

Paul addresses Christians in servitude, advising them not to worry about their social status. Freedom is preferable if attainable, but spiritual freedom in Christ is paramount, making them equals in the spiritual realm regardless of earthly status.

1 Corinthians 7:23-24 (NKJV) You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men. Brethren, let each one remain with God in that state in which he was called.

Echoing the theme of redemption, Paul reminds the Corinthians that they have been purchased by Christ’s sacrifice and should not be bound by human expectations or social structures. They are to live in freedom as God’s people, faithful to their calling regardless of their social conditions.

1 Corinthians 7:25-26 (NKJV) Now concerning virgins: I have no commandment from the Lord, but I give judgment as one whom the Lord in His mercy has made trustworthy. I suppose therefore that this is good because of the present distress—that it is good for a man to remain as he is.

Paul shifts focus to advise virgins, noting that he speaks from personal judgment, not direct divine command. He suggests remaining single, especially given contemporary hardships, which may include persecution or economic instability, making single life more practical for dedicated service to God.

1 Corinthians 7:27-28 (NKJV) Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be loosed. Are you loosed from a wife? Do not seek a wife. But even if you do marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. Nevertheless such will have trouble in the flesh, but I would spare you.

Paul advises those married to remain so and the unmarried not to seek marriage actively, yet he clarifies that marrying is not sinful. His concern is the potential worldly troubles that come with marriage, suggesting that singleness might spare them some difficulties.

1 Corinthians 7:29-31 (NKJV) But this I say, brethren, the time is short, so that from now on even those who have wives should be as though they had none, those who weep as though they did not weep, those who rejoice as though they did not rejoice, those who buy as though they did not possess, and those who use this world as not misusing it. For the form of this world is passing away.

Paul highlights the urgency of the times, suggesting a detachment from worldly affairs, even within marriage. The transitory nature of the world calls for a focus on eternal matters over temporal pleasures or concerns, living in readiness for Christ’s return.

1 Corinthians 7:32-34 (NKJV) But I want you to be without care. He who is unmarried cares for the things of the Lord—how he may please the Lord. But he who is married cares about the things of the world—how he may please his wife. There is a difference between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman cares about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit, but she who is married cares about the things of the world—how she may please her husband.

Paul elaborates on the advantages of singleness in terms of undivided devotion to God. Single individuals can focus more on spiritual pursuits, whereas married people must also attend to their spouses’ needs, dividing their attentions between earthly and spiritual responsibilities.

1 Corinthians 7:35 (NKJV) And this I say for your own profit, not that I may put a leash on you, but for what is proper, and that you may serve the Lord without distraction.

Paul clarifies that his advice aims to enhance the Corinthians’ spiritual lives, not to restrict them. The goal is to foster a lifestyle that allows for undistracted service to God, maximizing their spiritual effectiveness.

1 Corinthians 7:36-38 (NKJV) But if any man thinks he is behaving improperly toward his virgin, if she is past the flower of her age, and thus it must be, let him do what he wishes. He does not sin; let them marry. Nevertheless he who stands steadfast in his heart, having no necessity, but has power over his own will, and has so decided in his heart that he will keep his virgin, does well. So then he who gives her in marriage does well, but he who does not give her in marriage does better.

Paul addresses concerns about betrothed virgins. If a man believes it's appropriate to marry his betrothed, particularly if she is of marriageable age, he should proceed without feeling guilty. However, choosing to remain single is recommended as a more spiritually advantageous choice, though it is not required.

1 Corinthians 7:39-40 (NKJV) A wife is bound by law as long as her husband lives; but if her husband dies, she is at liberty to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord. But she is happier if she remains as she is, according to my judgment—and I think I also have the Spirit of God.

Paul concludes by addressing widows, asserting their freedom to remarry, but only within the Christian faith. Nonetheless, he suggests that remaining single, based on his personal and spiritually guided judgment, might contribute to greater happiness and spiritual focus.