1 Corinthians 7 - Introduction

Principles Governing Marriage First Corinthians Seven

In First Corinthians seven Paul answered some of the matters about which these brethren had questioned him. (1 Corinthians 7:1) The Holy Spirit used Paul to write about both married life and single life. In studying this chapter we must be careful to observe that part of what was written grew out of what Paul called the "present distress." (1 Corinthians 7:26)

First Corinthians seven begins with the words "It is good for a man not to touch a woman." (1 Corinthians 7:1) This was not a statement Paul made but rather the statement he was responding to. They had asked Paul if it is best for people not to marry. Paul's view was that because of the present distress that these brethren would be better off not to seek a change in their marital status. However, Paul viewed marriage as God-ordained and perfectly appropriate for Christians.

Paul also dealt with the difficult question of divorce. He said that Christians should stay married. He especially taught that a Christians should not divorce their unbelieving spouses. A Christian can have a sanctifying influence on the family. Paul proved that changing your status concerning circumcision or slavery does not change your spiritual status. In these areas Paul wanted it understood that it was not a choice between good and evil but between good and better.