Paul’s Advice to Unmarried Believers (1 Cor. 7:1-9), Rev Dr John Kwasi Fosu

Introduction

This lesson commences the studies on Paul’s response to the questions that the Corinthians had asked him about in their letter (1 Cor. 7:1; 8:1; 12:1; and 16:1). 1 Cor. 7 specifically deals with problems associated with marriage and the home. It is important to keep in mind as we read 1 Cor 7 that, in the first place, Corinth was noted for its immorality and lack of standards for the home. In the second place, Paul was dealing with local problems that we may not face in the same way today. It was a time of persecution for the believers, as 1 Cor. 7:26 denotes.

In 1 Cor. 7 Paul discusses the problems that are associated with three groups of believers. These include those who are unmarried believers (1 Cor. 7:1-9), believers who are married to unsaved partners (1 Cor. 7:10-24) and parents of marriageable girls (1 Cor. 7:25-40).

Celibacy as a Gift

Paul is giving counsel to those who are not married (Note 1 Cor 7:8 which says: “I say therefore to the unmarried and widows.” ). Paul begins saying that believers should not think themselves unspiritual because they are single, or that they are especially spiritual because they are married. The Roman Catholic Church appears to teach that celibacy is a more devoted form of life than marriage, but Paul teaches otherwise. Celibacy is honourable, but so is marriage (Hebrews 13:4).  In 1 Cor. 7:7, Paul says that God gives different gifts to people when it comes to the marriage relationship. This idea resembles Jesus’ teachings in Matthew 19:10-12. Keep in mind that the Greeks looked down on the body and often separated “body” and “soul” in a manner not taught in the Bible. Paul states that God had given him the ability to live without marriage. He wished that the Corinthian believers had the same self-control. However, he does not say that celibacy is more spiritual than marriage.

The Reason for Marriage

There are many reasons for marriage, and one is to avoid sexual sin. “It is better to marry than to burn with lust” (1 Cor 7:9). Paul unmistakably teaches monogamy writing that every man is to have his own wife, and every woman her own husband (1 Cor. 7:2). Husband and wife must be considerate of one another when it comes to the privileges of marriage. Lack of consideration can allow Satan to tempt one of the partners, and the result might be tragic. The deliberate refusal of sexual relations in marriage is not necessarily a mark of spirituality. It can be a cause of conflict and sin. If a believer cannot control himself, then he or she ought to marry. Of course, Paul is not suggesting that the only – or main – reason for marriage is physical.  A marriage built on physical bonds will fall apart in only a short time. Paul treats marriage in this chapter as a privilege, a blessing from God that can enrich the lives of both partners.

It is worthy of note that Paul does not teach that sex is the exclusive reason for marriage or the most important reason for marriage. Paul seems to answer some specific questions about marriage without trying to give a complete discourse about marriage.

Conclusion

Paul’s instruction about celibacy in this lesson indicates that Paul was so committed to it that he desired everyone to be celibate. The very reason Paul loved the single life is exactly opposite to the reason why many contemporary people choose singleness. Some people think that singleness brings maximum freedom for self-realization. However, Paul preferred singleness because it made him readily available to be used God. To Paul, since celibacy is a gift and not everybody has that gift, Paul advised that marriage is necessary. This will help to prevent sexual sins. On the note about the frequency of sexual intercourse within the context of marriage, Paul teaches that married couples should not abstain very long from sexual relations so that they do not fall into the temptation of adultery.