The division marker in chapter seven verse one is impossible to miss: “Now for the matters you wrote about…” Whereas the last six chapters were in response to the oral report the messengers brought, Paul now turns his attention to matters that were pressing on the minds of Corinthian believers. There were at least two such issues: marriage (addressed in chapter seven) and food sacrificed to idols (chapter eight). It is unfortunate that both Paul’s first letter, and the message brought to Paul from Corinth, have been lost. No doubt they could shed light on a few tricky passages.

Following his teachings regarding food, he rants a while about his due as an apostle, and a few areas of weakness that might be related to the topic of food sacrificed to idols (idol feasts and the Lord’s table, chapter 10.14-11.1). By 11.2, however, he clearly has left behind the letter they wrote him and he once again picks up the thread of “reputation” and praises and chastises them for the things he hears.

Chapter seven brings to the fore a myriad of theological debates. They will be dealt with, hopefully sufficiently, as they arise. Chapter seven’s focus is the marital state of a man. Is he single? Should he marry? Is he married? Should he divorce? Is he a widower? Should he remarry? And the same questions as they relate to women as well. We will discuss the teachings of this chapter under three categories: single (including unmarried men, women and widows\widowers), then married, and finally divorced people.

Before we consider Paul’s instructions for singleness, marriage and divorce, it is important we understand the beliefs held by the Corinthians. Some considered marriage much as we do today, that it is appropriate and desirable; others (including some Christians) believed that marriage was evil and to be avoided. Among those who believed marriage to be immoral singleness was the ideal, but if it was too late then one should behave as if they were single (including remaining celibate) even though they were married. More radical groups commanded divorce, some from unbelievers only, others even from a believing spouse. With this cultural backdrop we may now turn to the instructions Paul relates.

Singleness

Paul’s first statement is an encouraging one: singleness is good. In fact, from verse seven we see that singleness and marriage are both gifts from God. Though we may not like the gift we have been given (more on this come chapter 12), we must be responsible and find joy in the gift. Paul had found such joy in his singleness that he wished all had been given this gift (.7, .8, .26, .40). The only one who should reject this gift to accept the gift of marriage are those who cannot control their sexual behavior.

Unfortunately, Paul is not more specific regarding sexual conduct. Certainly it means those who cannot control their passions and act on them in the form of fornication. Sex outside marriage is always wrong, and those with too little self control are better off marrying so that they may not sin against the Lord (.9, .35). Could this command also relate to the issue of lust? of masturbation? In the strictest sense, yes, it could. Lack of sexual self control, from lust to adultery, displeases God and may fall into this category. The parallel in .37 is not much help either, as instead of “burn with passion” he writes “under no compulsion, having control over his own will…”. Again, the issue is self control, which may apply to all forms of sexual sin, not simply the act of sex outside of marriage.

Why does Paul believe singleness is so much better than marriage? His reason is two-fold. First, those who marry face many troubles in life (.28), troubles which single people do not have. Second, the time is short (.29). In other words, since the Lord’s return is eminent, we are to live in urgent devotion to God (.35), and marriage divides our attention (.33-.34).

Not many in our society would consider celibacy as an alternative lifestyle, but many preachers from John Wesley to John Stott would attest to singleness as being an advantage for a minister. I have great respect for Charles Ryrie who lived a life of careful service to God. When his wife of 30 some years served him divorce papers for unbiblical reasons, he maintained his belief that remarriage under such circumstances is not an option. His integrity and consistency is a lesson to all even if one disagrees with his premise.