1st Corinthians
Chapter
Seven
Marriage
Chapter Introduction
observations:
Paul, being advised as to the immoral
behavior of the Church in Corinth, took immediate action. Paul wrote this
chapter to clarify the Christian role as it pertains to marriage. Paul divided
this epistle into four main sections: marriage principles, keeping the marital
vows, living as you were called to live, and Finally, addressing those
Christians who were unmarried or widowed.
While it is unknown if Paul was ever
married, he did have definite ideas on the subject. Paul said it would be
better if all could be as he was. That is without anyone or anything to detract
him from his devotion to the LORD.
Chapter
outline
The
principles of marriage ………… 1-9
Relationship
of marital partners ……… 2-5
Paul’s
concession ………………………….. 6-9
Keeping
marital vows …………………10-16
The
LORDS command on marriage.……11
Paul’s
guidance on divorce ………………. 12-16
Live
as you are called ………………… 17-24
Ordinance
on circumcision ………………. 18,19
Bond
servant or free ………………………… 20-23
The
unmarried and widows …………. 25-40
Stay
as you are when called ……………… 26-29
Devotion
………..………………………………… 30-40
Principles of Marriage
Verses 1-9
Observations
• Important
words and or phrases:
•
One wife,
•
One husband,
•
authority over,
• but
if they cannot exercise self-control, let them marry…”
Look also for observation Details;
who, what, when, and where
Interpretation (what does it mean)
Although
names are not mentioned in the first section of this chapter they are revealed
in research:
• Such as Timothy, Silas, Aquila, and Priscilla all Christians see Acts 18
The
terms husband and wife are repeated several times, five times in just the first
section of the chapter.
• The
repetition of this term is used to drive home the importance of sexual
relations between husband and wife
•
The term is husband not husbands and wife
not wives.
• Thereby
reinforcing the concept of monogamy found in Gen 2:24
Where
did this concept of one man one women union begin?
• God ordained the union of one man one woman (Gen 2:24)
• Authority
in the physical relationship between husband and wife
• Each
is to have affection one to the other
• Neither
husband nor the wife have the physical authority over the other. to deprive the other of love, or sexual
fulfilment of that love ref Hos 3:3.
• In
verse 9 Paul uses a metaphor “passion” to better describe the intensity of
sexual desire.
• The
actual Greek word is pyroō G4448 an all-consuming fire
What
key truths or events have transpired in this section?
• key
idea in this first section is to remain faithful to one’s spouse and not to
deprive the other of physical union
•
Except if mutually agreed for the purpose
of fasting and prayer
•
Paul believed that all should remain
celibate as he was and to devote time to fasting a prayer
•
However, he realized that most would not
be able to resist the allure of sexual relations and bayed them to marry (V7)
•
Fasting a theological term described in
Vines dictionary G3621 nesteia
•
To voluntary or involuntary go without
food
• Usually
seen in Scripture in conjunction with prayer or praying
• Paul
wrote this epistle after receiving a report of immorality within the church V1-2 with reference to 1Cor 5:1.
•
The word power in V4 is used in some translation as opposed to
authority
•
Refer to Strongs G1850 exousiazō
•
Power and authority in verse 4 are
interchangeable.
•
When someone has power over someone else
they have authority over that someone
•
Paul uses the phrase “burn with
passion” in v9.
•
I can only find one instance V9 where this figure of speech is used.
•
The atmosphere in the church was one of
uncertainty and moral decay see chapter 5 .
•
The church in Corinth was planted during
Paul’s second missionary journey 49-51 AD.
•
Acts 18:1 tells us that Paul left Athens and
went to Corinth.
•
Preaching (reasoning) in the synagogue
each Sabbath to Jew and Gentile. [?]
•
Paul reasoned by conviction of the Holy
Spirit Acts 18:4
•
Paul deals with the issue of the abandoned
spouse.
•
If one chooses to marry, that person must
remain with his marital partner, because of their vows.
•
The Lord stated:
•
If the wife departs from her husband she
is not free to remarry (1Cor 7:10).
•
She is still bound by her vows.
•
Her husband cannot divorce her for
desertion (1Cor 7:11).
•
Moses allowed divorce because of the
harness of man’s heart (Mat 19:8 CSB).
•
The LORD said from the beginning it was
not so (Mat 19:4-9 CSB).
•
Besides the grounds of infidelity there
are other reasons why people seek divorce.
•
What does Scripture advise us, when it
comes to spousal desertion?
•
Paul, not the Lord, gave an
exception for unevenly yoked marriage or a believer who is married to a
nonbeliever.
• Like
Moses, did Paul have the authority to change marital law?
• Assuming
Paul had the apostolic authority to forgive sin, did that authority extend further?
• Although,
desertion is not grounds for divorce, Paul did grant a stipulation.
• Paul
stipulates the spouse must be willing to remain with their unbelieving spouse.
• The
assumption is if the spouse does not wish to remain, then it ok to divorce (1Cor7:15)?
• desertion
is not grounds for divorce.
• However,
the spouse must be willing to remain with their unbelieving spouse.
• Paul
gives the reason for remaining in a marital relationship between believer and
unbeliever.
• The
believing spouse sanctifies •The unbeliever spouse because of their belief.
• In
today's world, men's hearts have become even harder than those of Paul's time.
Because of this hardening of the heart, are there other accepted reasons for
divorce?
•
Is physical or mental cruelty grounds for
divorce?
• Old
Testament precedence:
• New
Testament Precedence:
•
If a spouse fails to live up to the
marital vows, is that grounds for divorce.
• Marital
vows center around fidelity (love, honor, and forsaking all others).
• Breaking
marital vows most often as a result of or results in sexual immorality.
• Jesus
said, “except for sexual immorality and marries another commits adultery” (Mat 19:9) .
Do the Biblical laws of divorce
apply to non-believers in marriages where one marital partner becoming a
believer and the other not?
Paul,
not the LORD, gives exception in this case (1Co 7:15).
The believing partner in a marriage
is to remain in that marriage.
Remaining
in an uneven yoked marriage keeps alive the opportunity for the unsaved partner
to come to salvation.
However, if they chose not to live
together then it is the unbeliever who will leave the union.
Application
How
has this section changed my relationship with:
God
(A prayer for my marriage)
Myself
(a personal value or standard to hold up)
Others
(My spouse)
Satan
(A temptation to resist)
Other
general suggestions on application can be found in (Hans Finzel (2015). (p.
80). Unlocking the Scriptures. David C Cook. Retrieved from
https://app.wordsearchbible.lifeway.com)
Keeping your Marriage Vows
Verses 10-16
Question posed
For
how do you know, O wife, whether you will save your husband?
Or how do you know, O husband, whether you will save your wife
1Cor 7:10?
Literary Principles Structure Outline
Explanation
…. Command …………………………V10
Explanation
…. I, not the Lord …………………… V12
Comparison
…. Unbelieving Spouse …………… V12,13
Explanation/Comparison…sanctified
…………. V14
Finding
the details (continued)
•
Theological terms:
• Sanctified
• Unclean
• Key events:
• Marriage
union
• Relationship
between believers and unbelieving spouse.
• Divorce
• Important words (verb tense, commands)
• Bondage
• Unbeliever
• Are there figures of speech (metaphors)?
• Atmosphere
• Confusion
over vows and divorce
Finding
the details
• The
geography and location are not mentioned in this segment.
•
However, in the interpretation phase of
this study, we will take a closer look at the relevancy of Corinth on the
church.
•
The time factors are not given in this
segment.
•
However, Paul wrote of timeless concepts
in this segment.
• We
will explore the timeliness of this segment in our investigation of this
segment.
We
are ready to begin our interpretation of this segment, using our observations
as a starting point.
•
“The goal is to discover what the author
meant by those items in question. At the interpretive stage, you will go beyond
collecting the facts expressed in the biblical text” (Hans
Finzel, 2016).
Interpretation:
We
are looking at observations of who, what, when, where we will now add why.
• We
know from the previous segment’s interpretation of this chapter is the apostle
Paul.
As
we noted in the previous segment’s interpretation, Paul would rather people did
not marry V8.
• This
segment was written to those believers who chose to marry.
•
Some of the important words Paul addresses
are: depart, divorce, belief, and unbelief, unclean, and bondage.
•
Paul speaks of the Lord’s command to the
wife not to depart (1Cor 7:10)
•
However, beginning with the next verse,
Paul adds a caveat to this command.
•
However, Paul made sure to say that this
caveat was from him, not the Lord
• He
probably thought he could add this caveat because Mosses allowed for divorce
Looking
at the words identified in our segment observations.
• Important
words of a theological nature are:
•
Sanctified:
•
We all have a preconception of what this
word means.
•
However, now we will validate that
preconception with further investigation.
•
Sanctified is translated from the Greek
word hagiazō G40, meaning to make holy
•
Was your preconception accurate?
•
Unclean:
•
Translated from the Greek akathartos with
the root being (G1) (as a negative particle) for foul.
•
A descriptive work for the stench of sin.
•
Used in V14 as an adjective in context, to
describe
•
A state of moral impurity G169
•
The key elements of the segment are:
•
Marriage the union of male and female Gen 2:24.
•
They become one flesh.
•
This union goes far beyond the physical
joining
•
Divorce, a manmade corruption of God’s
intent.
•
Initiated by Moses (Deu 24:1-2)
•
Because he knew the weakness of the heart
(Mat 19:8)
•
Paul expanded on divorce, by clarification
•
While making it clear that divorce is not
God’s will.
•
1Cor 7:10 wives do not depart
•
Husbands do not divorce your wife for
abandonment V11
• Neither shall divorce by reason of unbelief ( 1Cor 7:12-16)
• Bondage:
• Jewish
Law of redeeming Deu 25:5 additional reading “the law of the kinsman-redeemer”
• The
Greek word douloō translated as a masculine noun.
• Paul
cites bother brother and sister V15; why?
• Even
though the surviving closest male family member is obligated to take the widow
as his wife.
• The
widow is also obligated to seek out and join with the closest male family
member
• They
both brother and sister have equal obligations.
Application
How
has this section changed my relationship with:
God
(A prayer for my marriage)
Myself
(a personal value or standard to hold up)
Others
(My spouse)
Satan
(A temptation to resist)
Other
general suggestions on application can be found in (Hans Finzel (2015). (p.
80). Unlocking the Scriptures. David C Cook. Retrieved from https://app.wordsearchbible.lifeway.com)
Live as You are Called
17-24
Paul spends much of this segment
showing the differences and similarities of the Jews (circumcised) and Gentiles
(uncircumcised)
• Paul
uses the literary principle of repetition to emphasize the issue of
circumcision.
• The
author uses a question asked, then answered to draw attention slaves status
• Contrast
is used to draw attention to the conclusion
• Looking
at some details of this segment.
• Paul
speaks of the circumcised and uncircumcised
• Circumcised
or not, neither is of concern
• Only
the calling is important
• Slave
or free, we are all bought with the same blood
• Universal
timeless concept
• Key
words underlined in observation detail requiring more investigation
•
Having observed the highlights of this
segment. It is now time to interpret or investigate those words and phrases
found during the observation phase of our study.
Circumcision is a sign of inclusion
in the Abrahamic covenant.
• Circumcised
• All
Jewish males were to be circumcised as a sign of the Abrahamic covenant Gen 17:10-14.
• If
for any reason a male was not circumcised he would be cut off from the house of
Israel.
• This
is a timeless practice carried on today on the male child’s 8th birthday.
Uncircumcised
• Anyone
who did not accept the circumcision would be cut off from the Abrahamic
covenant
• This
included all nations who came to be called Gentiles.
• Gentiles is translated from the Hebrew word gowy H1471, a masculine noun meaning anyone or nation not Jewish, also called heathen.
• For
additional information Gesenius' Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon
• Slave
• Translated
from the Greek word doulos G1401, a masculine noun meaning servant.
• Freeman
• The
definition is obvious.
• However,
the definition found here will give us a better all-encompassing
definition of the time
• The
key phrase of this segment is found in v23
•
Our sovereign Lord calls who He wills, for
His purpose, without regard of station in life.
Application
How
has this section changed my relationship with:
God
(A prayer for my marriage)
Myself
(a personal value or standard to hold up)
Others
(My spouse)
Satan
(A temptation to resist)
Other
general suggestions on application can be found in (Hans Finzel (2015). (p.
80). Unlocking the Scriptures. David C Cook. Retrieved from
https://app.wordsearchbible.lifeway.com)
The Unmarried Widows
Verses 25-40
The last segment is long. Before
reading this segment, ask yourself this question.
• Is
it good to marry or be married?
• These
15 verses discuss this question
• Paul
qualifies his message in V25.
• Not
a commandment.
• I
give judgment.
• Good
for a man or women to remain as they are
• Bound
to a wife V27.
• Paul
using contrast (principle of literary structure) in verses 28-34 to point to
devotion
• Marriage
not advised but not a sin either V28.
• Unmarried
cares for the Lord V32.
• Married
cares for the world their spouse V33.
Some important statements were made
and questions answered.
• Paul
speaks to Husbands, wives advising them to remain as you are.
• Virgins
to not seek husbands, and men do not seek a wives V27.
• What
is Paul advising get married or not?
• A
husband’s devotion is to his wife, V33.
• A
wife’s devotion is to her husband, V34.
• Wife
bound to husband, V39.
• Unmarried
cares for things of the Lord.
• Married
people care for the world.
• Husband’s
do not seek freedom from your wife V27.
What is Paul advising about getting
married?
• Did
Paul use Jewish law as a basis in his. revelation to the church?
• This
section revolves around the time element.
• Paul
wanted the time devoted to the Lord and not split with spouses.
What does this all mean? Was Paul ever married?
Paul believed that a follower of
Jesus's life should be spent in devotion to the Lord and that having a spouse
detracted the believer from that goal.
• Paul
devoted his life singularly to Christ Jesus.
• As
this relationship seemed right to him, he desired it for all the church.
• However,
Paul cautioned widows and the unmarried to remain as they are.
• Paul
was not against marriage; rather he was for unencumbered devotion to Christ
Jesus.
• Was,
Paul married?
• Scripture
does not directly say one way or the other.
• verse
8, Paul indicates (remain even as I am) his marital status
presumed to have been single
• However,
some theologians say Paul had to be married to be a Pharisee.
• After
checking Scripture as well as several outside sources,
• I
could find no requirement for Pharisee’s or members of the Sanhedrin to be married.
• CAUTION
DO NOT GET SO DEEP IN THE WEEDS THAT YOU LOSE SIGHT OF YOUR INTERPRETATION
OBJECTIVES.
• Paul’s
message to the church was to remain content in whatever role they were in. God
called you while you were in that role.
• Paul
gives several detailed instructions on remaining as you are.
• If
called when uncircumcised, then remain uncircumcised.
• There
was ongoing pressure for Gentiles to become circumcised.
• This
action would have become an acceptance of the Mosaic covenant and the whole law
(Gal 5:3)
• If,
called when uncircumcised then remain uncircumcised.
• There
was on going pressure for Gentiles to become circumcised.
• This
action would have become an acceptance of the Mosaic covenant and the whole law
(Gal 5:3)
• If
you were a (slave) servant when called do not worry.
• All
Christians are freeman in Christ V 22.
• If
freedom is available from servitude to another take the freedom V. 21-23.
• As
many in the church were wealthy having many servants Paul reached out to them.
• Chose
to serve and worship the Lord as a freeman.
Paul
advised of the immoral behavior of the Church in Corinth. Paul wrote this
epistle to spell out the Christian’s role in marriage and divorce. The first
section is on the principles of marriage. The second is keeping the marital
vows. The third is live as you were when called and Finally addressing those
Christians who were unmarried, widowed. Paul said it would be better if all
could be as he was. That is without anyone or anything to detract him from his
devotion to the LORD.Paul answered to question of circumcision by saying only
God’s commandment matters.
Bibliography and Credits
Finzel,
Hans. Steps in inductive Bible Study was taken from Hans Fenzel. Unlocking
the Scriptures, Three Steps to Personal Bible Study. Hans Finzel.
WORDsearch (2003)
All
scripture text, and interlinear translations and biblical definitions were
taken from: https://www.blueletterbible.org/esv
