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1 Corinthians 7 · Berean Standard Bible

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¹Now for the matters you wrote about: It is good to abstain from sexual relations. ²But because there is so much sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman her own husband. ³The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. ⁴The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband. Likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife. ⁵Do not deprive each other, except by mutual consent and for a time, so you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again, so that Satan will not tempt you through your lack of self-control. ⁶I say this as a concession, not as a command. ⁷I wish that all men were as I am. But each man has his own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that. ⁸Now to the unmarried and widows I say this: It is good for them to remain unmarried, as I am. ⁹But if they cannot control themselves, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion. ¹⁰To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband. ¹¹But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife. ¹²To the rest I say this (I, not the Lord): If a brother has an unbelieving wife and she is willing to live with him, he must not divorce her. ¹³And if a woman has an unbelieving husband and he is willing to live with her, she must not divorce him. ¹⁴For the unbelieving husband is sanctified through his believing wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified through her believing husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but now they are holy. ¹⁵But if the unbeliever leaves, let him go. The believing brother or sister is not bound in such cases. God has called you to live in peace. ¹⁶How do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife? ¹⁷Regardless, each one should lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him and to which God has called him. This is what I prescribe in all the churches. ¹⁸Was a man already circumcised when he was called? He should not become uncircumcised. Was a man still uncircumcised when called? He should not be circumcised. ¹⁹Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God’s commandments is what counts. ²⁰Each one should remain in the situation he was in when he was called. ²¹Were you a slave when you were called? Do not let it concern you—but if you can gain your freedom, take the opportunity. ²²For he who was a slave when he was called by the Lord is the Lord’s freedman. Conversely, he who was a free man when he was called is Christ’s slave. ²³You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men. ²⁴Brothers, each one should remain in the situation he was in when God called him. ²⁵Now about virgins, I have no command from the Lord, but I give a judgment as one who by the Lord’s mercy is trustworthy. ²⁶Because of the present crisis, I think it is good for a man to remain as he is. ²⁷Are you committed to a wife? Do not seek to be released. Are you free of commitment? Do not look for a wife. ²⁸But if you do marry, you have not sinned. And if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. But those who marry will face troubles in this life, and I want to spare you this. ²⁹What I am saying, brothers, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they had none; ³⁰those who weep, as if they did not; those who are joyful, as if they were not; those who make a purchase, as if they had nothing; ³¹and those who use the things of this world, as if not dependent on them. For this world in its present form is passing away. ³²I want you to be free from concern. The unmarried man is concerned about the work of the Lord, how he can please the Lord. ³³But the married man is concerned about the affairs of this world, how he can please his wife, ³⁴and his interests are divided. The unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the work of the Lord, how she can be holy in both body and spirit. But the married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world, how she can please her husband. ³⁵I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but in order to promote proper decorum and undivided devotion to the Lord. ³⁶However, if someone thinks he is acting inappropriately toward his betrothed, and if she is beyond her youth and they ought to marry, let him do as he wishes; he is not sinning; they should get married. ³⁷But the man who is firmly established in his heart and under no constraint, with control over his will and resolve in his heart not to marry the virgin, he will do well. ³⁸So then, he who marries the virgin does well, but he who does not marry her does even better. ³⁹A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, as long as he belongs to the Lord. ⁴⁰In my judgment, however, she is happier if she remains as she is. And I think that I too have the Spirit of God.

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1 Corinthians

1 Corinthians 7

Marriage, Singleness, and Devotion to the Lord

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Objective

This chapter addresses questions the Corinthians had about marriage, singleness, and sexual relationships in light of their faith. Paul provides pastoral guidance, emphasizing the importance of living a life fully devoted to the Lord, regardless of one's marital status.

Detailed Analysis

Event Description

Paul responds to a question about whether it is good to abstain from sexual relations. While celibacy can be a gift, Paul acknowledges that sexual relations within marriage are necessary to prevent immorality. He teaches that husbands and wives have mutual authority over each other's bodies and should fulfill their marital duties to one another.

Central Themes

Mutual Love in Marriage: Paul emphasizes the mutuality of sexual relations, challenging the cultural norms of male dominance.

Celibacy as a Gift: Paul views singleness as a gift but recognizes that not everyone is called to it.

Cultural & Historical Context

Corinth's Cultural Context: Corinth's culture was both sexually permissive and influenced by ascetic philosophies that saw abstinence as spiritually superior. Cross-References: Ephesians 5:21-33 elaborates on mutual love and submission in marriage.

Key Verse

"The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband." (1 Corinthians 7:3)

Vivid Artistic Descriptions

Marriage and Sexual Relations

A husband and wife stand side by side, hands intertwined, with a glowing light encircling them, symbolizing their unity and mutual love under God's covenant.

Instructions for Married Believers

A believer kneels in prayer, their hand resting on the shoulder of an unbelieving spouse, while a subtle glow spreads through the home, symbolizing the sanctifying presence of faith.

Living as You Were Called

A diverse group of people--some wealthy, some poor, some enslaved, some free--standing united under the shadow of the cross, their worldly distinctions fading into the background.

Advice to the Unmarried and Widows

A single figure kneels before a radiant cross, their hands lifted in undivided devotion, symbolizing the focus and freedom of serving Christ wholeheartedly.

Song

Undivided Devotion

Verse 1

Wherever I stand, wherever I go, In every season, Your grace I'll show. Married or single, my life is Yours, A vessel of love, a heart restored.

Verse 2

In the union of hearts or the life set apart, You call me to love with all of my heart. Through every choice, Your wisdom I seek, In strength or in weakness, You make me complete.

Chorus

Oh, undivided devotion, To You, Lord, I surrender my emotion. In every calling, You are my guide, Forever in Your love, I'll abide.

Bridge

Not bound by status, wealth, or name, In Christ alone, I find my aim. To serve You wholly, to live for Your fame, Forever I'll glorify Your holy name.

Outro

Be it marriage or singleness, My life is Yours, my soul is blessed. Oh, undivided devotion, I'll proclaim, In every season, I'll glorify Your name.

Practical Application

Personal Life

Reflect on your current life situation and seek to honor God in it, whether single or married.

View your relationships as opportunities to reflect God's love and faithfulness.

Community & Society

Support and affirm those who are single or married, avoiding judgment or pressure, recognizing each calling's unique challenges and blessings.

Promote a culture of mutual respect and love in marriages, encouraging godly unity.

Global Perspective

Pray for the global church to uphold godly standards for marriage and singleness while showing grace and compassion.

Support missionaries and church leaders who balance family responsibilities with their calling to serve the Lord.

Conclusion

1 Corinthians 7 offers practical wisdom for living a life devoted to God, whether in marriage or singleness. Paul reminds believers that their ultimate purpose is to serve Christ faithfully and with an eternal perspective. By seeking contentment and honoring God in their current circumstances, believers can reflect His glory and advance His kingdom in every season of life.