Introduction
In this chapter, Paul is answering the Corinthians’ questions about marriage, divorce, and singleness.
A. Paul had been married, otherwise he could not have been a member of the Jewish Sanhedrin. (He may have been a widower.)
B. We must keep in mind:
1. that Corinth was noted for its immorality and lack of standards for the home;
2. that Paul was dealing with local problems that we may not face in the same way today;
3. that it was a time of persecution for the Christians (1Co_7:26).
Question: What are the advantages of being married or single?
A. The advantages of marriage
1. Marriage between a man and woman is God’s plan for the home, v. 2.
2. Marriage prevents sexual immorality and attitudes, vv. 2, 9.
B. The advantages of being single: free to devote their live and time to the Lord’s work, vv. 32-35.
Question: Which is better: marriage or singleness?
A. God’s will must govern any decisions about marriage, v. 17.
B. Pleasing God is our supreme objective, vv. 18-19.
C. We are not our own, but have been bought by Christ, vv. 20-24.
D. Even if married, Christ must occupy first place in our life, vv. 29-31.
Paul Addresses Four Groups of People
A. Saved couples
1. Both are to submit their bodies to each other, vv. 3-4.
2. Both must agree if sexual intimacy is set aside for a while to facilitate prayer and fasting, vv. 5-6.
3. Both must stay together and not divorce, vv. 10-11.
B. Spiritually mixed couples
1. The saved spouse should continue to live with the unsaved spouse, if possible, vv. 12-13.
2. This may result in the salvation of the unsaved spouse, v. 14.
a. “Sanctified” does not mean the unbelieving spouse is saved by marriage.
b. “Sanctified” means “set apart” for God’s blessings due to being married to a Christian.
c. “Else were your children unclean” or illegitimate. In Judaism, children of a Jew and a Gentile were considered illegitimate.
3. The saved spouse should allow the unsaved spouse to divorce if they insist on it, vv. 15-16.
C. Virgins (Note: Parents arranged their girls’ marriage.) Paul advises the unmarried not to rush into marriage, vv. 25-28, 36-38.
D. Widows are free to marry another believer, vv. 39-40.