Introduction

First Corinthians 7 responds to questions about marriage and sexuality. Paul values both marriage and singleness as gifts from God, giving practical guidance for different situations while keeping eternity in view.

Concerning Marriage (verses 1-9)

Now for the matters you wrote about: "It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman." But since sexual immorality is occurring, each man should have sexual relations with his own wife, and each woman with her own husband. The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent for a time of prayer. Then come together again so Satan won't tempt you. Paul says this as a concession, not a command. He wishes all were as he is—single—but each has their own gift from God, one this kind, another that kind. To the unmarried and widows: it is good to stay unmarried as Paul does. But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry.

• Mutual Obligation: Both partners have responsibility to each other
• Temporary Abstinence: Only by mutual consent for prayer
• Gift Language: Both marriage and singleness are gifts

Concerning Divorce (verses 10-16)

To the married Paul gives this command (not he but the Lord): a wife must not separate from her husband. If she does, she must remain unmarried or be reconciled. And a husband must not divorce his wife. To the rest (Paul, not the Lord): if a brother has an unbelieving wife who is willing to stay, he must not divorce her. The same for a believing wife with an unbelieving husband. The unbelieving spouse has been sanctified through the believing spouse, and the children are holy. But if the unbeliever leaves, let it be so. The brother or sister is not bound in such circumstances; God has called us to live in peace. How do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband?

Remain as You Were Called (verses 17-24)

Each person should live as the Lord has assigned, as they were when God called them. Was a man circumcised? Don't become uncircumcised. Uncircumcised? Don't be circumcised. Circumcision is nothing; uncircumcision is nothing—keeping God's commands is what counts. Were you a slave? Don't let it trouble you, though if you can gain freedom, do so. The one called as a slave is the Lord's freed person; the one called while free is Christ's slave. You were bought at a price; don't become slaves of human beings. Brothers and sisters, each person should remain before God in the situation they were in when called.

Concerning the Unmarried (verses 25-40)

About virgins, Paul has no command from the Lord but gives his judgment. Because of the present crisis, it is good to remain as you are. If you have a wife, don't seek divorce; if not, don't seek one. But if you marry, you have not sinned. Yet those who marry will face troubles, and Paul wants to spare them. What Paul means is: time is short. From now on those with wives should live as if they had none; those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy, as if they didn't possess; those who use the world, as if not engrossed in it. This world in its present form is passing away. The unmarried can be concerned about the Lord's affairs, while the married are concerned about worldly affairs—how to please their spouse. Paul says this for the Corinthians' own good, not to restrict them, but for undivided devotion to the Lord.

Key Takeaways

• Both Are Gifts: Marriage and singleness are valid callings
• Stay Put: Remain in the situation you were called to
• Time is Short: Live with eternity in view
• Undivided Devotion: The goal is wholehearted service to the Lord

Reflection Questions

• Do you view your marital status as a gift from God for His service?
• How does "time is short" affect your priorities in marriage or singleness?
• What does "undivided devotion to the Lord" look like in your situation?