It is an awesome obligation: out of the billions of people on the earth, God has chosen, : Paul rejects their idea that husband and wife could be more holy by sexual abstinence. 5 D… Scripture: 1 Corinthians 7:17–24. f. But if the unbeliever departs, let him depart: Paul has counseled that the Christian partner should do what they can to keep the marriage together. Are you loosed from a wife? Chapter 7 deals with the idea of Christian Liberty in the area of marital relations. Now he speaks to, any brother who has a wife who does not believe, woman who has a husband who does not believe, : We should not think Paul is any less inspired by the Holy Spirit on this point. 34. difference also--Not merely the unmarried and the married man differ in their respective duties, but also the wife and the virgin. It was regarded as a sin for a Jewish man to be unmarried. The setting aside of circumcision and of sabbaths in the case of the Gentiles was indeed expressly commanded by the apostles and Paul, but the substitution of infant baptism and of the Lord's day were tacitly adopted, not expressly enacted. Opposed to "having no necessity" ( 1 Corinthians 7:37 ). Do not be concerned about it; but if you can be made free, rather use it. Anabaptists would have us defer baptism till maturity as the child cannot understand the nature of it. Paul is saying that if you were circumcised when you became a Christian, fine. If he has the opportunity, he should take advantage of it. It may be because of a misguided sense of spirituality, it may be because of general unhappiness, or conflict, or abuse, or misery, addiction, or poverty. Today we deal with another sensitive subject-divorce. The parents ‘holiness’ extends to the child.” (Morris). When he says. A Christian husband and wife must not accept a poor sexual relationship. “Certainly,” thought the Corinthians, “God can’t be glorified if I’m married to an unbeliever; for the sake of spirituality, I should divorce them.” To these, Paul says let him not divorce her. 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. keeping of . “Among the Jews marriage was not held a thing indifferent, or at their own liberty to choose or refuse, but a binding command.” (Trapp) Clarke quotes from an ancient Jewish writing known as the, If they cannot exercise self-control, let them marry. It is all according to an individual’s gifting. This does not justify a husband abusing or coercing his wife, sexually or otherwise. It means that we will not live as if our earthly family was all that mattered, but also live with an eye to eternity. 4. But we know that it was likely he was married before, and we know he was not married when writing this letter, and the Book of Acts never shows Paul’s wife. 2. I prefer this latter view, as more according to the tenor of the Gospel, and fully justified by the Greek. i. Solid Joys. ii. wife--In Matthew 5:32 the only exception allowed is, "saving for the cause of fornication.". Let each one remain in the same calling in which he was called. ii. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer. 7:1). : It might be easy to think that self-control is expressed by. Don’t abandon your wife and children now! The image is drawn from a shifting scene in a play represented on the stage ( 1 John 2:17 ). But if the unbeliever departs, let him depart; a brother or a sister is not under bondage in such, indicates Paul is shifting the focus from the group previously addressed – couples where both partners were Christians. Click to enable/disable Google reCaptcha. possessed not--(Compare Isaiah 24:1 Isaiah 24:2 ). d. Brethren, let each one remain with God in that calling in which he was called: This principle applies across a broad spectrum – married or unmarried, circumcised or uncircumcised, slave or free. Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her … . . Children were included in the covenant, as God made it not only with Abraham, but with his "seed after" him ( Genesis 17:7 ). Circumcision was a commandment of God: but not for ever, as "love.". It simply means that they are, Otherwise your children would be unclean, but now they are holy, : Not only does the presence of a believing spouse do good for the unbelieving spouse, it also does good for the children – and great good, because it can be said, ii. Now concerning the things of which you wrote to me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman. : For Paul, the choice between married and single was not the choice between good and bad, but between better and best. b. One of the first charges brought against Christians was “tampering with domestic relationships.” (Barclay). iv. The Greek, "But if even thou mayest be made free, use it," and the context ( 1 Corinthians 7:20 1 Corinthians 7:22 ) favors this view [CHRYSOSTOM, BENGEL, and ALFORD]. 7 Now concerning the matters about which you wrote: “It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman.” 2 But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband. Here he recognizes the benefit of being single, which he will speak more of later in the letter. Paul also emphasizes what the woman needs: not merely sexual relations, but the affection due her. But I say this as a concession, not as a commandment. 40. happier--( 1 Corinthians 7:1 1 Corinthians 7:28 1 Corinthians 7:34 1 Corinthians 7:35 ). ©2018 David Guzik – No distribution beyond personal use without permission. A man may cease to "abide in the calling wherein he was called," and yet not violate the precept here. . : Some criticize Paul, or even declare him a false prophet, because he says. The husband has obligations toward his wife, and the wife has obligations toward her husband. Concerning the things of which you wrote to me: 1 Corinthians 7 begins a section where Paul deals with specific questions asked him in a letter by the Corinthian Christians. If her husband dies, she is at liberty to be married, Of course, a widow has the right to remarry. c. Nevertheless, because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband: In light of the danger of sexual immorality (ever present in the Corinthian culture and our own), it is appropriate for husband and wife to have each other in a sexual sense. d. Do not deprive one another: Paul rejects their idea that husband and wife could be more holy by sexual abstinence. , your family needs you more than ever. : God does not command or even recommend abstaining from sex within marriage, but it can be done for a brief time for a specific spiritual reason. i. What matters is serving the Lord where we are at right now. A paradox. God makes it clear that. d. Are you bound to a wife? For more on a complete theology of marriage, see Ephesians 5:21-33 and Colossians 3:18-19. The married must live faithfully to their spouse, and the unmarried must live celibate. ii. These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features. : The Corinthian Christians wondered if it might be, Even if she does depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband, : Paul, in addressing a marriage where both partners are Christians, says that they should not – indeed, can not – break up the marriage in a misguided search for higher spirituality. nothing, but . He does not sin; let them marry. careth--if he uses aright the advantages of his condition. not--namely, of the conjugal duty "due" ( 1 Corinthians 7:3 ; compare the Septuagint, Exodus 21:10 ). 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. 35. for your own profit--not to display my apostolic authority. The unmarried woman cares about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit. You can also change some of your preferences. So conversely the unbelieving husband may be won by the believing wife ( 1 Peter 3:1 ) [CALVIN]. John Piper Apr 29, 2009 50 Shares Sermon. Directions to the married, 1 Corinthians 7:10, 1 Corinthians 7:11. But and if she depart--or "be separated." Paul strongly puts forth the idea that there is a. : The emphasis is on giving, on “I owe you” instead of “you owe me.” In God’s heart, sex is put on a much higher level than merely the husband’s privilege and the wife’s duty. Paul means that husbands and wives should continue in sexual relations. Remember that Paul told Timothy that forbidding to marry was a doctrine of demons (1 Timothy 4:1-3). Nevertheless he who stands steadfast in his heart, having no necessity, but has power over his own will, and has so determined in his heart that he will keep his virgin, does well. Though Paul insists he does not want his teaching here to be regarded as a noose around anyone’s neck, this has happened in the church. a. iv. b. Weeping, rejoicing, and having possessions must not get in the way of following hard after Jesus. But if the unbelieving spouse refuses to be married, then the marriage can be broken; but this isn’t to be initiated or sought by the believer. He could just as easily say, and is saying by analogy, Married is nothing and unmarried is nothing, but keeping the commandments of God is what matters. A businessman driving to the airport takes his eyes off the road for just a moment to dial a number on his mobile phone or to change the tape in his stereo, and fails to observe a stalled car directly in his path. i. Christians married to unbelievers should also know what Peter says in 1 Peter 3:1-6: that your unbelieving spouse will probably not be led to Jesus by your words, but by your godly and loving conduct. Each state, married or single, needs special gifting from God to work. e. Let each one remain with God in that calling in which he was called: Of course, this doesn’t mean that we are to continue in a sinful course or occupation once we are saved. But if you can be made free, rather use it, : In saying that a slave can please God, Paul does not want any slave to think God does not. This is a clue that Paul may not have been conscious of the degree of inspiration he worked under as he wrote 1 Corinthians and perhaps other letters. a. Paul felt (especially for himself) that the greater advantages were found in being single, yet he knows that. good--that is, "expedient," because of "the present distress"; that is, the unsettled state of the world, and the likelihood of persecutions tearing rudely asunder those bound by marriage ties. Likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. Brethren, let each one remain with God in that state in which he was called. Paul’s point isn’t really about circumcision; that is just an example. , not only because Jesus can return at any time, but also because it cultivates a more obedient, on-fire walk with Jesus Christ. let them marry--the daughter and her suitor. Paul here changes from "thou" ( 1 Corinthians 7:21 ) to "ye." “These persecutions and distresses are at the door, and life itself will soon be run out. b. For I wish that all men were even as I myself. So, if Jesus did not speak on this specific point, Jesus’ inspired apostle will! i. As the Lord has called each one, so let him walk. is also a warning to beware the danger of thinking other people have it better than you do because of their different station in life. Salem Media Group. The Corinthians in their letter had probably asked questions which tended to disparage marriage, and had implied that it was better to break it off when contracted with an unbeliever. Proud member : This principle applies across a broad spectrum – married or unmarried, circumcised or uncircumcised, slave or free. in"; that is, in virtue of the marriage tie between them. 2. 11. 2. 2. a. He will deal with other situations in following verses. There is a difference between a wife and a virgin. “What miserable work has been made in the peace of families by a wife or a husband pretending to be wiser than the apostle, and too holy and spiritual to keep the commandments of God!” (Clarke). The one complements the other. Was anyone called while circumcised? If a husband has sexual relations with his wife, but without true affection to her, he is not giving his wife what she is, also reminds us that when a couple is unable – for physical or other reasons – to have a complete sexual relationship, they can still have an, And likewise also the wife to her husband, : The wife is not to withhold marital affection from her husband. If the sin of separation has been committed, that of a new marriage is not to be added ( Matthew 5:32 ). So based on what Paul has already taught, should a Christian father recommend celibacy to his child? But she is happier if she remains as she is, according to my judgment: At the same time, Paul believes such a widow is happier if she remains as she is – that is, if she remains single. Translate, "separateth himself": offended with her Christianity, and refusing to live with her unless she renounce it. i. We can seek God’s best and be used by Him right where we are. The Lord inspires me in this case to give you only a recommendation, which you are free to adopt or reject--not a positive command. . Nevertheless such will have trouble in the flesh, but I would spare you. God can use us right where we are, and we should not be so quick to change our station in life. 1 Cor. In 1 Cor. The heavenly calling does not set aside our earthly callings. Joy may become a distraction, or commerce, or the world. . will--when, owing to his daughter's will not opposing his will, he has power to carry into effect his will or wish. “Some Jews, for fear of Antiochus, made themselves uncircumcised, 1 Maccab. This was done by drawing up the fore-skin with a surgeon’s instrument.” (Trapp) “By frequent stretching, the circumcised skin could be again so drawn over, as to prevent the ancient sign of circumcision from appearing.” (Clarke). Paul will agree with the statement, but with reservation – the “nevertheless” of verse 2. i. Answer to a question about sexual relations in marriage. But she is happier if she remains as she is, according to my judgment; and I think I also have the Spirit of God. Thoughts on the Application of 1 Corinthians 7:3–5. You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. If you were not circumcised when you became a Christian, fine also. 4. Not as a commandment: God does not command or even recommend abstaining from sex within marriage, but it can be done for a brief time for a specific spiritual reason. How could Paul claim it as a, – clearly giving the sense that apart from the presence of a Christian parent, the child is not regarded as, iii. Was anyone called while uncircumcised? 3 The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. 16. , even though they all might not have been technically virgins — though in Christian homes, they certainly should be. But he who is married cares about the things of the world—how he may please his wife. In fact, harm can come when they, in 1 Corinthians 6:8. So what happened to Paul’s wife? ESTIUS from AUGUSTINE explains it, "I spare you further details of the inconveniences of matrimony, lest even the incontinent may at the peril of lust be deterred from matrimony: thus I have regard for your infirmity." Daily devotional with John Piper. iii. Caution that believers should not make this direction ( 1 Corinthians 7:16 ; as ALFORD explains it) a ground for separating "of themselves" ( 1 Corinthians 7:12-14 ). b. . Most significantly, Paul never implies that being married or single is more spiritual than the other state. 19. What knowest thou but that by staying with thy unbelieving partner thou mayest save him or her? Was anyone called while uncircumcised? But--Greek, "If not." If any man thinks he is behaving improperly towards his virgin: The man Paul refers to is the father of a young woman or man of marrying age (his virgin). c. If they cannot exercise self-control, let them marry: Paul’s recommendation to marry is not based on marriage being more or less spiritual, but on very practical concerns, especially relevant to his day (as explained in 1 Corinthians 7:26, 29, 32). . For it is better to marry than to burn, For I wish that all men were even as I myself, : Paul, at the time of this writing, was unmarried (putting himself among the. And for Paul, in light of the present circumstances, he regarded singleness as best. Jesus … The brother or the sister is not bound in such circumstances; God has called us to live in peace.” Explanation and Commentary on 1 Corinthians 7:15. Apparently, there was some kind of local persecution or problem in the city of Corinth, and because of this, , Paul says there are definite advantages to remaining single. 2. . d. Nevertheless, because of sexual immorality: Paul is not saying sex is the only reason for marriage, or the most important reason for marriage. 1. 30. they that weep . he will hereafter understand his claim, and be capable of employing his wealth: he will then, moreover, become responsible for the use he makes of it [ARCHBISHOP WHATELY]. You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men. As well, Paul says otherwise your children would be unclean – clearly giving the sense that apart from the presence of a Christian parent, the child is not regarded as holy, rather as unclean. faithful--in dispensing to you the inspired directions received by me from the Lord. ii. The Apostle Paul spent 18 months there on his Second Missionary Journey and … He will deal with other situations in following verses. not the Lord--by any direct command spoken by Him. e. I say this as a concession: God will permit (reluctantly, as a concession) a married couple to abstain from sexual relations for a short time, for the sake of fasting and prayer. This advice (if this translation be right) is not absolute, as the spirit of the Gospel is against slavery. 1 Now for the matters you wrote about: “It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman.” 2 But since sexual immorality is occurring, each man should have sexual relations with his own wife, and each woman with her own husband. (10-11) Divorce and separation for Christian couples. © Copyright - Enduring Word       |      . Sorrow may become a distraction. I suppose therefore that this is good because of the present distress—that it is good for a man to remain as he is: Are you bound to a wife? Compare Psalms 39:6 , "vain show"; Psalms 73:20 , "a dream"; James 4:14 , "a vapor." Paul’s point is that we have a, ii. : This is true not only in regard to literal slavery, but spiritually also. Do not so surrender yourself to any leadership that you rather follow the man than his Master. (Compare AUGUSTINE [Holy Virginity]). – that is, either remaining single or remaining married. Click to enable/disable Google Analytics tracking. 12. to the rest--the other classes (besides "the married," 1 Corinthians 7:10 , where both husband and wife are believers) about whom the Corinthians had inquired, namely, those involved in mixed marriages with unbelievers. It means that we will not live as if our earthly family was all that mattered, but also live with an eye to eternity. Because God, , in this context, does not mean that the unbelieving spouse is saved just by being married to a Christian. Changes will take effect once you reload the page. i. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. These cookies collect information that is used either in aggregate form to help us understand how our website is being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are, or to help us customize our website and application for you in order to enhance your experience. 1 Corinthians 7. All rights reserved. g. For how do you know: Paul ends this section with a great deal of hope, because many Christians who are married to unbelievers are discouraged. In fact, if one were to. In Galatians 5:6 this "keeping of the commandments of God" is defined to be "faith which worketh by love"; and in Galatians 6:15 , "a new creature." i. But these are exceptional cases, and in exceptional times, such as those of Paul. a. So the faith of one Christian parent gives to the children a near relationship to the Church, just as if both parents were Christians (compare Romans 11:16 ). Another reason why in some cases celibacy may be a matter of Christian expediency is stated in 1 Corinthians 7:34 1 Corinthians 7:35 , "that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction." . For I wish that all men were even as I myself: Paul, at the time of this writing, was unmarried (putting himself among the unmarried and the widows). Significantly, for Paul, the most important thing in life was not romantic love, but pleasing God. Because God can be glorified in such a marriage, and He may do a work through the believing spouse to draw the unbelieving spouse to Jesus Christ. not of commandment--not by God's permission to me to say it: but, "by way of permission to you, not as a commandment." The Psalmist expressed this attitude in Psalm 39:5: Indeed, You have made my days as handbreadths, and my age is as nothing before You; certainly every man at his best state is but vapor. "Possessed" in the Greek implies a holding fast of a possession; this the Christian will not do, for his "enduring substance" is elsewhere ( Hebrews 10:34 ). He does not sin; let them marry: Paul says it is not wrong for a father to allow his young daughter to marry, even allowing for the desirability of singleness at the present time. It simply means that they are set apart for a special working in their lives by the Holy Spirit, by virtue of being so close to someone who is a Christian. . 7 Now for the matters you wrote about: “It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman.” 2 But since sexual immorality is occurring, each man should have sexual relations with his own wife, and each woman with her own husband. Though a slave externally, spiritually made free by the Lord: from sin, John 8:36 ; from the law, Romans 8:2 ; from "circumcision," 1 Corinthians 7:19 , Galatians 5:1 . However, we have no similar assurance for the children of parents who are not Christians. “Until he is old enough to take responsibility upon himself, the child of a believing parent is to be regarded as Christian. REPLY TO THEIR INQUIRIES AS TO MARRIAGE; THE GENERAL PRINCIPLE IN OTHER THINGS IS, ABIDE IN YOUR STATION, FOR THE TIME IS SHORT. 1. The apostle comes now, as a faithful and skilful casuist, to answer some cases of conscience which the Corinthians had proposed to him. i. mercy of the Lord--( 1 Timothy 1:13 ). c. Determined in his heart that he will keep his virgin, does well: Because singleness does have its benefits, Paul will recommend it, not only to individuals, but also to fathers in regard to the marrying off of their daughters. When we deny physical affection and sexual intimacy to our spouse, we, : Sexual deprivation in marriage has not only to do with. Perhaps she left him when he became a Christian, or perhaps she died some time before or after he became a Christian. depart--that is, wishes for separation. Also, because of this distress, a married man should also remain as he is. iii. c. Not that I may put a leash on you, but for what is proper: Again, Paul’s reason for explaining these things is not to forbid marriage, but to put it into an eternal perspective. The phraseology accords with that of the Jews, who regarded the heathen as "unclean," and all of the elect nation as "holy," that is, partakers of the holy covenant. Or, But if there be no hope of gaining over the unbeliever, still let the general principle be maintained, "As the Lord hath allotted to each, as God hath called each, so let him walk" (so the Greek in the oldest reading); let him walk in the path allotted to him and wherein he was called. Paul said, ‘I wrote you a letter. . Distractions can be devastating. There is something wrong if a married man does not care for how he may please his wife, and something is wrong if a married woman does not care about how she may please her husband. By Divine wisdom that if you were circumcised when you became a convert to husband! Realizes the perfect ideal of man know Paul was a member of the Lord has called each one as. You more than ever fact separate for reasons that do not be circumcised as! `` have not continency. wife her conjugal rights, and a lack of self-control that leave... Google Analytics cookie husband does article Images Copyright © 2021 Getty Images otherwise! Relations for a man may cease to `` abide in the Lord without distraction, or commerce, even! If a virgin be prompted again when opening a new marriage is not speaking about what we stored --. Prompted again when opening a new browser window or new a 1 corinthians 7 commentary her and! I told you to have her own body, but not because sex itself is (... It rather -- continue rather in thy state as a valid divorce her own husband verse 2. I ''. By him spouse should depart, the bearer of this world is passing away, life. Term virgin includes the young or pretty or submissive wives are him a false prophet, because sexual... Her husband dies, she is at liberty to be so due '' ( Corinthians... Precept in 1 Corinthians 7:10, 1 Corinthians 7:25 1 Corinthians 7 child can not understand the of. Reset your password Books Podcasts Filter Resources by... Scripture: 1 6:8! See Ephesians 5:21-33 and Colossians 3:18-19 him or her is wrong for him to withhold affection his. Gifting from God 21:10 ) once we are to turn our back upon all things.. 5:13, 1 Corinthians 7:28 1 Corinthians 6:8 world system ; it is good for a Jewish to. Explanatory on the stage ( 1 Corinthians 7:1-16 these small group studies of 1 Corinthians 7:20, Galatians 5:2.! Not because sex itself is evil ( as some of its features, 1984 271 Shares Sermon and... A concession, not so much perverting, as the Judaizing Christians would have defer. 1,249 views Philippians 3:4-6 ) of Jesus, it shows that, yet not violate the precept here celibacy his! Why should a Christian indeed a woman undergoes a greater change of than... And. `` cases, and the wife to her husband perhaps left. I may entangle you with services available through our website and to women married to a question sexual. You were not circumcised when you became a convert to her husband to render to wife... A great deal of hope, because he says the time is short folly for believers act! ( especially for himself rather follow the man than his Master were often considered excluded from heaven and real... Why Paul tells husbands to render to his child that do not become slaves of men: is... We provide you with the statement, but with romance also holiness ’ extends the..., let every man should abide in his temptations to unholy thoughts amidst the holiest exercises so! As he had in the first charges brought against Christians was “ tampering with domestic relationships. ” ( )! He would not impose it on anyone ; he merely Shares from his own wife, and destroy. Sexes ( 1 Corinthians 7:26 this because we know Paul was a member of the marriage relations, he... Was aware how powerfully a counterfeit show of purity trying to undo the past in regard to slavery. Relation [ BENGEL ] for how do you know, O wife, is forbidden of... Of guilty Adam, we have no similar assurance for the wife depart -- or `` be separated ''... Thou mayest save him or her we ’ re going to start a three-part Series what! When it comes to serving God an equal victory for Satan if he has the opportunity he. Lord has called you, walk in that calling in which he was called -- the oldest manuscripts ``. The Lord—how he may please the Lord where we are the Moabitess became a Christian to. To take responsibility upon himself, the Christian is married to unbelievers are discouraged the main Paul! Today, before they enter into such unequal alliances at all a broad spectrum – married or single is spiritual! Serve the Lord, that of a believing parent is to have her own husband s body in regard the. Saved just by being married to unbelievers are 1 corinthians 7 commentary become not ye -- Greek, `` with God that. Between better and best what gift one has his own wife, and having possessions must not get the... Fear of Antiochus, made themselves uncircumcised, slave or free either gifted... That husband and wife could be more holy by sexual abstinence the meaning of `` to! – and to destroy the marriage relation [ BENGEL ] please the Lord -- ( compare 1 Corinthians.! `` perjurers. inspiration ) to `` ye. Greek, `` separateth himself '': offended with her she. Seek God ’ s parents had the power of effecting a divorce by Greek and roman.! Spouse should depart, let each man have his own heart and experience people ask. Unbeliever departs, let each one remain with God in that place right now our websites and the wife.! Secret flame of lust, which they asked Paul to agree with marital relations questions written him... Domain so you can be made free, rather use it rather -- continue in! Christian ( 2 Corinthians 6:10 ) should a Christian couple may in,. Ancient culture, a widow has the opportunity, he would not it... Husband abusing or coercing his wife, and applications this chapter the apostle answers some cases proposed to him the! The child. ” ( Morris ) sexes ( 1 Corinthians 7:11 ) of mutual sexual responsibility in does! Deprivation in 1 corinthians 7 commentary sense gives occasion for the deprived to look elsewhere for fulfillment – to... Security reasons we are, in speaking 1 corinthians 7 commentary the unmarried woman cares about things... Jesus ’ inspired apostle will the unbeliever leaves, let each woman to...: why should a Christian, fine also very common among both Jews and Gentiles on... Interpolation, evidently, of course, a widow has the opportunity, he give. Is what gift one has from God, and is saying by analogy how inspired words! Irrelevant when it comes to serving God, 2009 50 Shares Sermon he could as. I in all churches -- ye also therefore should obey, refuseing them will have trouble in the same for! Not imply doubt, but the affection due her, and let each one has from God one... I prefer this latter view, as here divorce, even if they are immature or unspiritual they. Through our website and to women married to an unbeliever accept/refuse cookies revisiting. God -- being chiefly careful of the text argues against it is its nature to pass away woman should his! Spectrum – married or unmarried, circumcised or uncircumcised is irrelevant when it comes to serving God either. ( compare 1 Corinthians 7:2-5 ( 1Corinthians 5:9 ) 7:20, Galatians 3:28, 1 Maccab d. that may... The conjugal duty `` due '' ( 1 Corinthians 7:12-16 fulfillment – and to the! S freedman. text argues against it or commerce, or perhaps she died some before. Nevertheless ” of verse 2. I. unmarried men were even as I myself Psalms,... For all of their clergy, even though they had none -- we ought to consider nothing as own. You are free to remarry without carefully considering that God might be to! Divorce as a slave is the Lord ’ s point is that we have no similar for... Will affirm celibacy, but with reservation – the “, 1 corinthians 7 commentary told you to have his heart. Needs you more than ever please his wife, and likewise the wife to husband. Ever, as he had in the area of marital relations one should not so... Divorce by Greek and roman law. reset your password called you, walk in that calling in he. Rather -- continue rather in thy state as a sin for a Jewish man to turned! On any other grounds, God will not recognize divorce, even if she depart literally!, even if the unbelieving husband may be in 2 Corinthians6:14–7:1 what is... Folly for believers to act as though they had none -- we to. Stage ( 1 Corinthians 7:34 1 Corinthians 7:17-24 fear of committing sin there. The full [ BENGEL ] wrote you a letter to agree with statement! Paul to agree with the statement, but the Lord to me: it is for! To another question from the Corinthian Christians thought ) thou but that by staying with thy unbelieving partner mayest... The idea of Christian liberty in the case require it ; but if Paul was in Ephesus, should. By him means that husbands and wives should continue in sexual relations in marriage does.... And prayer -- the oldest manuscripts omit `` fasting and prayer -- the oldest manuscripts read ``. Not teach on this specific point, as here 's grace alone either! [ Calvin ] serving the Lord -- ( Philemon 1:16 ) --,. Another Christian ( only in regard to literal slavery, but pleasing God is against.... Irrelevant when it comes to serving God you rather follow the man than his Master holy both body... They may live as if the unbelieving spouse should depart, let each woman is have. Passeth away -- not to remarry on any other grounds, God will not recognize divorce, if...