The Corinthian church had written to Paul with questions about marriage and sexual relationships. Some believers had swung to the opposite extreme from those who justified prostitution (6:12–20). They claimed, “It is good for a man not to touch a woman”—meaning they believed sexual relations were wrong in every situation, even within marriage (7:1). While some translations render “touch” as “marry,” the original meaning points more to refraining from all sexual contact. Some in the church believed celibacy was the best choice for everyone.
Paul did not teach that marriage was wrong. He valued marriage as a gift from God, citing the Old Testament’s affirmation that “It is not good for the man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18, NLT). Instead, he corrected the extreme view by teaching that, because of widespread sexual immorality in Corinth, “each man should have his own wife, and each woman should have her own husband” (7:2, NLT). In this context, “have” referred to continuing sexual intimacy within marriage—not merely getting married. Paul urged married couples to meet one another’s needs in this area so they would not be tempted toward prostitution or other sexual sin.
Paul stressed that sexual intimacy in marriage is a mutual responsibility. “The husband should fulfill his wife’s sexual needs, and the wife should fulfill her husband’s needs” (7:3, NLT). Neither spouse has full authority over their own body, but each belongs to the other (7:4). This mutual authority is not a license for abuse or selfish demands, but a call to loving, willing service and sacrifice to one another.
Abstinence from sexual relations should only be temporary, agreed upon by both spouses, and for a spiritual purpose such as prayer (7:5). Afterward, couples should come together again so that “Satan won’t be able to tempt you because of your lack of self-control” (NLT). Paul saw this as a concession, not a command, and acknowledged that his own single state was a gift from God—not a universal calling (7:6–7).
For the unmarried and widows, Paul suggested that remaining single could be beneficial, especially in times of crisis. But if they struggled with sexual self-control, “it is better to marry than to burn with lust” (7:9, NLT). Paul also addressed divorce: between two believers, it should not occur except for biblical grounds. If it does, the believer should remain unmarried or be reconciled (7:10–11). Between a believer and an unbeliever, the believer should remain if the unbelieving spouse is willing (7:12–13), because the unbeliever is in a unique position to experience God’s grace through the believing spouse—and the children of such a union are considered holy (7:14). If the unbeliever chooses to leave, however, the believer is “not bound” (7:15, NLT) and is called to live in peace.
Paul then laid down a broader principle: “Each of you should remain as you were when God called you” (7:17, NLT), whether married or single, circumcised or uncircumcised, slave or free, status before God does not depend on changing one’s social or marital position (7:18–24). What matters most is obedience to God. Paul also did not suggest that one should remain single their entire lifetime if they were saved when single, but rather to be content with where God currently had them in their lives and use their singleness for His glory. If one was married when they came to Christ, they were to remain married, whether or not their spouse believed in Jesus too. The hope and goal of remaining married as long as the non-believing spouse would do so was that they too might come to follow Jesus from what they saw in their partner’s relationship with Jesus and changed life.
Regarding engaged couples, Paul advised that in light of the “present crisis” (possibly famine or persecution), it might be wise to postpone marriage (7:25–28). He emphasized that “time is short” and “this world as we know it will soon pass away” (7:29, 31, NLT). With an eternal perspective, believers should hold loosely to the things of this life—including marriage, possessions, and personal achievements—so they can serve the Lord without distraction (7:32–35).
Paul clarified that his preference for singleness was not meant to restrict anyone. If engaged couples chose to marry, they were not sinning (7:36–38). Widows were free to remarry, but only to someone who belongs to the Lord (7:39). In his judgment, however, they might be happier remaining single in the current circumstances (7:40). Paul presented his teaching as wise counsel inspired by the Spirit of God, tailored to the Corinthians’ specific challenges, while still upholding the goodness and honor of marriage.
Truths and Lessons for Today
1. God Honors Both Singleness and Marriage
Neither marriage nor singleness makes a person more spiritual—both are gifts from God with unique benefits and challenges.
🡲 Application: Ask God to help you embrace the season you are in—whether married or single—and use it fully for His glory.
📖 “But each person has a special gift from God, of one kind or another.” (1 Corinthians 7:7, NLT)
2. Marriage Is a Covenant of Mutual Service
In marriage, spouses are called to meet each other’s needs—emotionally, physically, and spiritually—out of love and respect.
🡲 Application: Instead of focusing on what you are getting from your spouse, ask how you can serve them in love this week.
📖 “The husband should fulfill his wife’s sexual needs, and the wife should fulfill her husband’s needs.” (1 Corinthians 7:3, NLT)
3. Keep an Eternal Perspective
Earthly relationships, possessions, and trials are temporary. Living with eternity in view helps us prioritize what truly matters.
🡲 Application: Each day, remind yourself that this world is passing away. Let that truth guide your decisions, values, and relationships.
📖 “Those who weep or who rejoice or who buy things should not be absorbed by their weeping or their joy or their possessions. Those who use the things of the world should not become attached to them. For this world as we know it will soon pass away.” (1 Corinthians 7:30–31, NLT)
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