Marriage and Sexual Purity
Paul begins by addressing the importance of sexual purity within marriage. He writes, But because there is so much sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman her own husband (1 Corinthians 7:2). This underscores the sanctity of marriage as a safeguard against immorality.

Mutual Responsibilities
Paul emphasizes mutual responsibilities within marriage, stating, The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband (1 Corinthians 7:3). This highlights the importance of mutual respect and care.

Singleness as a Gift
Paul acknowledges singleness as a gift, saying, I wish that all men were as I am. But each man has his own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that (1 Corinthians 7:7). Singleness is presented as a unique opportunity for undivided devotion to the Lord.

Marriage and Worldly Troubles
Paul advises that marriage can bring worldly troubles, stating, But those who marry will face troubles in this life, and I want to spare you this (1 Corinthians 7:28). This serves as a reminder of the challenges that come with marital commitments.

Living in the Present
Paul encourages believers to live in the present, saying, What I mean, brothers, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they had none (1 Corinthians 7:29). This calls for a focus on eternal priorities over earthly concerns.Honor God in Relationships
Whether married or single, strive to honor God in all relationships by upholding purity and mutual respect.

Embrace Your Season
Recognize and embrace the season of life you are in, whether it is singleness or marriage, as a unique opportunity to serve God.

Prioritize Spiritual Growth
Focus on spiritual growth and eternal priorities, rather than being consumed by worldly concerns.

Seek Godly Counsel
In matters of marriage and singleness, seek godly counsel and wisdom from Scripture and mature believers.1. Paul
Paul is the author of 1 Corinthians, and in chapter 7, he addresses various issues concerning marriage and singleness. He provides guidance based on his apostolic authority and personal judgment, emphasizing the importance of devotion to the Lord. In the original Greek, his name is Παῦλος (Paulos).

2. The Unmarried
Paul speaks to the unmarried, advising them that it is good to remain single as he is, but also acknowledging that marriage is not a sin (1 Corinthians 7:8-9). The Greek term used here is ἄγαμος (agamos), which refers to those who are not married.

3. The Married
Paul addresses married couples, instructing them not to separate or divorce, and if they do, to remain unmarried or reconcile (1 Corinthians 7:10-11). The Greek word for married is γαμέω (gameo).

4. The Wife
Paul gives specific instructions to wives, emphasizing their role in marriage and the importance of not leaving their husbands (1 Corinthians 7:10). The Greek term for wife is γυνή (gynē).

5. The Husband
Similarly, Paul instructs husbands not to divorce their wives, highlighting the mutual responsibilities within marriage (1 Corinthians 7:11). The Greek word for husband is ἀνήρ (anēr).

6. The Believing Spouse
Paul discusses situations where one spouse is a believer and the other is not, advising the believing spouse to remain with the unbelieving partner if they are willing to stay (1 Corinthians 7:12-14). The Greek term πιστός (pistos) refers to the believing spouse.

7. The Unbelieving Spouse
The unbelieving spouse is addressed in the context of their relationship with a believing partner, with Paul advising that if the unbeliever chooses to leave, the believer is not bound in such circumstances (1 Corinthians 7:12-15). The Greek term ἄπιστος (apistos) refers to the unbelieving spouse.

8. The Betrothed
Paul provides guidance to those who are betrothed, suggesting that they can marry if they wish, but also highlighting the benefits of remaining single to focus on serving the Lord (1 Corinthians 7:36-38). The Greek term for betrothed is παρθένος (parthenos), which can also mean virgin.

9. Widows
Paul advises widows that they are free to remarry, but he suggests that they might be happier if they remain single, as he is (1 Corinthians 7:39-40). The Greek term for widow is χήρα (chēra).1. Corinth
The city of Corinth is the primary setting for the letter, as it is addressed to the church there. Corinth was a major city in ancient Greece, known for its wealth and diversity, as well as its moral challenges. The Apostle Paul wrote 1 Corinthians to address various issues within the Corinthian church, including questions about marriage and singleness, which are discussed in chapter 7.

In 1 Corinthians 7, specific geographical locations are not mentioned beyond the context of the letter being addressed to the Corinthians. The focus of the chapter is more on personal and relational guidance rather than specific places. The chapter deals with issues of marriage, celibacy, and the roles of husbands and wives, providing instructions that were meant to guide the believers in Corinth in their personal lives and relationships.1. Guidance on Marriage and Celibacy
Paul begins by addressing questions from the Corinthians regarding marriage and celibacy. He states, "It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman" (1 Corinthians 7:1). The Greek term used here for "sexual relations" is "ἅπτεσθαι" (haptesthai), which implies physical contact or touch.

2. Instructions for Married Couples
Paul advises married couples to fulfill their marital duties to each other, emphasizing mutual consent and authority over each other's bodies: "The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband" (1 Corinthians 7:3). The Greek word "ὀφειλή" (opheilē) is used for "duty," indicating an obligation or debt.

3. Temporary Abstinence for Prayer
He permits temporary abstinence from sexual relations for prayer, but advises couples to come together again to avoid temptation: "Do not deprive one another, except by mutual consent and for a time, so you may devote yourselves to prayer" (1 Corinthians 7:5).

4. Concession, Not Command
Paul clarifies that his advice on celibacy is a concession, not a command: "I say this as a concession, not as a command" (1 Corinthians 7:6). The Greek word "συγγνώμην" (syngnōmēn) suggests a form of permission or allowance.

5. Preference for Singleness
Paul expresses his personal preference for singleness, stating, "I wish that all men were as I am" (1 Corinthians 7:7). He acknowledges that each person has their own gift from God, using the Greek "χάρισμα" (charisma) for "gift."

6. Advice to the Unmarried and Widows
He advises the unmarried and widows to remain single if possible, but allows marriage if they struggle with self-control: "It is good for them to remain unmarried, as I am. But if they cannot control themselves, let them marry" (1 Corinthians 7:8-9).

7. Instructions for Married Believers
Paul instructs married believers not to separate or divorce, referencing the Lord's command: "A wife must not separate from her husband" (1 Corinthians 7:10).

8. Guidance for Mixed Marriages
For marriages between a believer and an unbeliever, Paul advises the believer to remain with the unbelieving spouse if they are willing to stay: "If any brother has a wife who is not a believer and she is willing to live with him, he must not divorce her" (1 Corinthians 7:12).

9. Sanctification of the Unbelieving Spouse
He explains that the unbelieving spouse is sanctified through the believing partner, and their children are considered holy: "For the unbelieving husband is sanctified through his wife" (1 Corinthians 7:14). The Greek "ἡγίασται" (hēgiastai) means "made holy" or "set apart."

10. Call to Peace
Paul emphasizes the importance of peace in marriage, stating, "God has called you to live in peace" (1 Corinthians 7:15).

11. Living as Called
He encourages believers to live according to the situation they were in when God called them, whether circumcised or uncircumcised, slave or free: "Each one should remain in the situation he was in when he was called" (1 Corinthians 7:20).

12. Advice on Remaining Unmarried
Paul advises those who are unmarried to consider remaining so due to the present crisis, but acknowledges marriage is not a sin: "Because of the present crisis, I think it is good for a man to remain as he is" (1 Corinthians 7:26).

13. Focus on Serving the Lord
He highlights the benefits of singleness in serving the Lord without distraction: "An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord’s affairs" (1 Corinthians 7:32).

14. Conclusion on Marriage and Singleness
Paul concludes by affirming that both marriage and singleness are valid choices, but he believes singleness allows for undivided devotion to the Lord: "So then, he who marries the virgin does right, but he who does not marry her does even better" (1 Corinthians 7:38).Genesis 2:24
For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. This verse underscores the biblical foundation of marriage.

Matthew 19:11-12
Jesus speaks about the gift of singleness, affirming Paul's teaching on the subject.

Ephesians 5:22-33
This passage provides further insight into the roles and responsibilities within a Christian marriage. For Marriages
Pray for strength, unity, and mutual respect in marriages, that they may reflect Christ's love for the church.
For Singles
Pray for contentment and purpose for those who are single, that they may use their season of life to serve God wholeheartedly.
For Purity
Pray for purity and holiness in all relationships, that believers may honor God with their bodies and lives.
For Wisdom
Pray for wisdom and discernment in navigating the complexities of relationships, seeking God's guidance in all decisions.

May this study of 1 Corinthians 7 inspire you to live a life that honors God, whether in marriage or singleness, and to seek His will in all aspects of your relationships.

1. How does Paul's teaching on marriage and singleness challenge or affirm your personal views?

2. What does this passage teach about the purpose and responsibilities within a Christian marriage?

3. How does Paul's advice to singles apply to your current stage of life?

4. In what ways can believers steward their current marital or single status for the glory of God?

5. What does Paul's command to "remain in the condition in which you were called" mean to you?

6. How can we apply Paul's counsel on marriage and divorce to present day situations in the church?

7. What is the significance of Paul's advice to those in mixed-faith marriages?

8. How do the teachings in this chapter inform your views on relationship, marriage, and divorce?

9. How can the church better support both single and married individuals in light of Paul's teachings?

10. What practical steps can a married couple take to ensure they are fulfilling their responsibilities to one another?

11. How does the idea of marriage as a form of protection against sexual immorality resonate with today's culture?

12. What can we learn from Paul's teachings about the sanctity and permanence of marriage?

13. How can we reconcile Paul's teachings on marriage and singleness with societal views today?

14. What does it mean for an unbelieving spouse to be "sanctified" by the believing spouse?

15. How can a Christian partner best influence an unbelieving spouse, according to this chapter?

16. What can the church do to support those in mixed-faith marriages?

17. How does this chapter challenge the way you view your current relationship status?

18. What role does self-control play in Paul's counsel to the unmarried and widows?

19. How does Paul's discussion of marriage and singleness influence your understanding of commitment and personal relationships?

20. In what ways can the teachings from this chapter be applied to non-marital relationships in the Christian community?