1 Corinthians 7:10–16, 32–39

Explore the Bible
Assistant Professor, School of Christian Studies, University of Mobile

What Should I Do?
1 Corinthians 7:10–16, 32–39

Where to Begin (10–11)
In the first century, like today, divorce was prevalent. Paul stressed that his teaching on divorce was not his own but the Lord’s, accentuating its authority. Just like Jesus, Paul urged believers to stay married at all costs. In cases of divorce, Christians should try to be reconciled to their spouses if possible. When the Church behaves in the same manner as the world by using divorce as the first option to settle disagreements, we lose our distinction as God’s people, set apart to the Lord. As Christians, we ought to be known by our love for one another, including our spouses. If we dissolve a union that was made in the sight of God, then what kind of message are we sending to the world? Instead of seeking a divorce, the Christian needs to seek to be reconciled and maintain his or her marriage.

When to Stay Married (12–16)
Paul addressed the situation in which a Christian has an unbelieving spouse. If this is the situation, then Paul said not to divorce. Apparently the believers thought that they ought to leave their spouses in order to better serve God.But Paul mentioned that being married to a believer sanctifies an unbelieving spouse. It is possible that what Paul was saying here is that the unbeliever will be in some fashion influenced positively by the believer as he or she witnesses to his or her spouse in the way he or she lives as well as verbal testimony. Paul was not suggesting that the unbeliever is somehow saved by the relationship. This is obvious since in verse 16, he brought up the possibility of the unbeliever being saved. Therefore sanctification is not implying salvation. However, the marriage between believer and unbeliever does not make the marriage defiled, as the Corinthians apparently thought. If the unbelieving spouse leaves, then the Christian is under no obligation to remain married. The Christian should let the non-Christian depart. It seems that some of the Corinthians tried to remain married even when an unbelieving spouse left in an attempt to see him or her saved. Paul said it cannot be known if the Christian can convert the unbelieving spouse; therefore let him or her leave and live in peace. According to this passage, it is evident that the only reason Paul gave for divorce or separation is if the spouse leaves. In our society today, divorce is often the first option that people use when confronted with marital difficulty. This applies to the Christian as well as the non-Christian. There ought to be some difference between the Christian approach to marriage and the non-Christian approach; therefore we need to strive to remain married even when our spouse is a non-Christian. Remaining married to the unbeliever can have a positive influence on him or her and the children within the marriage.

When Not to Marry (32–35)
Paul turned his attention from the married couples to the single Christians. Here Paul mentioned that his teaching is his preference, not a word directly from God, and revealed the advantages of being a single Christian. The married Christian needs to be concerned with earthly things — pleasing his or her spouse, raising children, etc. The single Christian is able to devote time and energy to serving the Lord alone. Paul was not saying it is wrong to be married, but he was showing the advantages the unmarried have. In our church today, there are some, such as Paul, who have the gift of celibacy. Those with this gift are not at a disadvantage but rather are in an advantageous position in several ways.

When to Marry (36–39)
The term “virgin” here represents a fiancée, but it is implied that the fiancée is, in fact, a virgin. There is strong support for celibacy before marriage, which is the biblical standard, whereas society has largely rejected the idea of sex being reserved for marriage. Paul followed up his teaching on being single with the affirmation that those who want or feel they ought to be married should be. While Paul saw advantages in being single, he recognized that this is not for every Christian. Those who are single but want to get married are free to do so.