1 Corinthians 7


1 Corinthians 7 addresses questions about marriage, singleness, and Christian living in response to the Corinthian church’s inquiries. Written around AD 55 from Ephesus, Paul provides practical guidance on relationships, emphasizing contentment, devotion to God, and living in one’s current state for God’s glory amid a transient world.
Key Sections
Marriage and Singleness (7:1–9): Paul responds to the Corinthians’ question, affirming it is good to remain single but, due to sexual immorality, marriage is better for those lacking self-control. Spouses should fulfill marital duties, as their bodies belong to each other. Singleness is preferable for those with self-control, as Paul exemplifies.
Instructions on Divorce (7:10–16): Paul commands married believers not to divorce, citing the Lord’s teaching. If separation occurs, remain unmarried or reconcile. For believers married to unbelievers, stay if the spouse consents, as the believer sanctifies the marriage, potentially saving the spouse or children. If the unbeliever leaves, the believer is not bound.
Living in One’s Calling (7:17–24): Paul urges believers to remain in their current state—circumcised or uncircumcised, slave or free—as God’s call transcends circumstances. Obey God in one’s situation, for freedom in Christ surpasses earthly status, though slaves may seek freedom if possible.
The Unmarried and Widows (7:25–40): Paul, giving his judgment (not a direct command), advises virgins and widows to remain single due to the “present distress” and the fleeting nature of the world. Marriage is not sin, but singleness allows undivided devotion to God. A betrothed woman may marry if needed, but remaining single is better. Widows are free to remarry a believer, but Paul prefers they stay single, as he is, for spiritual focus.
Cross-References
  • Marriage and Singleness:
    • Matthew 19:10–12: Singleness for the kingdom.
    • 1 Timothy 4:3: Marriage is honorable.
    • Hebrews 13:4: Marriage bed undefiled.
  • Divorce and Mixed Marriages:
    • Matthew 5:32: Jesus on divorce.
    • Malachi 2:16: God hates divorce.
    • 2 Corinthians 6:14: Unequally yoked.
  • Contentment in Calling:
    • Philippians 4:11: Content in all circumstances.
    • Galatians 3:28: Equality in Christ.
    • Colossians 3:23: Work for the Lord.
  • Singleness and Devotion:
    • Matthew 6:33: Seek first the kingdom.
    • 1 Timothy 5:5: Widows devoted to prayer.
    • Revelation 14:4: Devotion to Christ.
Theological Meaning
  • Marriage as God’s Design: Marriage is good, a safeguard against immorality, and a mutual commitment (7:2–3; Genesis 2:24).
  • Singleness as a Gift: Singleness allows undivided devotion to God, preferable in times of distress (7:7; Matthew 19:12).
  • Permanence in Marriage: Divorce is discouraged, but believers are not bound if abandoned by an unbeliever (7:15; Romans 7:2–3).
  • Sanctifying Influence: A believer’s faith can positively impact an unbelieving spouse or children (7:14; 1 Peter 3:1).
  • Contentment in Calling: God’s call transcends social or marital status, urging faithfulness in one’s situation (7:17; Ephesians 2:10).
  • Eternal Perspective: The world’s fleeting nature calls for focus on God, not earthly ties (7:31; 1 John 2:17).
Questions and Answers
  1. Why is singleness good (7:1, 7–8)?
    It avoids worldly troubles and allows undivided devotion to God (7:7; Matthew 19:11–12).
  2. Why should spouses not deprive each other (7:3–5)?
    To honor mutual commitment and avoid temptation, except by agreement for prayer (7:5; Proverbs 5:18–19).
  3. What does “not bound” mean (7:15)?
    If an unbeliever leaves, the believer is free from marital obligations, though not necessarily free to remarry (7:15; Romans 7:3).
  4. Why remain in one’s state (7:17–20)?
    God’s call is paramount; external status (e.g., circumcision, slavery) is secondary (7:19; Galatians 5:6).
  5. What is the “present distress” (7:26)?
    Likely persecution or societal upheaval, making singleness practical for focus on God (7:26; Acts 19:23–41).
  6. Why is singleness better (7:32–35)?
    It frees one from divided interests, enabling full devotion to God (7:35; Philippians 3:8).
  7. How does this apply today?
    Honor marriage, embrace singleness as a gift, stay faithful in your calling, and prioritize God’s kingdom (7:29–31; Colossians 3:2).
Additional Notes for Readers
  • Historical Context: Written during Paul’s third missionary journey (Acts 19:10), this chapter addresses Corinth’s questions (7:1) in a sexually lax, pagan city (1 Corinthians 6:12–20). Marriage and divorce were debated, with some advocating asceticism (7:1) and others libertinism (1 Corinthians 5:1). The “present distress” (7:26) may refer to persecution or famine (Acts 11:28). Slavery (7:21) was common in Corinth, and Paul’s advice reflects social realities (Philemon 1:16).
  • Cultural Questions: “Not good to touch a woman” (7:1) likely reflects Corinthian asceticism, countered by Paul’s affirmation of marriage (7:2). Mixed marriages (7:12–14) were common in diverse Corinth (Acts 18:8). “Sanctified” (7:14) means the marriage is legitimate, not cursed, possibly influencing the family (1 Peter 3:1). The “virgin” (7:25) refers to betrothed women or daughters under paternal authority (Deuteronomy 22:21). Paul’s singleness (7:7) was unusual in Jewish culture (Genesis 1:28).
  • Application: 1 Corinthians 7 calls believers to honor marriage, value singleness, and live contentedly in their God-given circumstances. It challenges cultural pressures to prioritize status or pleasure, urging devotion to God and sensitivity to others’ salvation in a transient world (Philippians 4:11–13; 1 Timothy 6:6–8).
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