The word that most Bibles translates “marriage” is really synonymous with “sexual intercourse” – a meaning it carries in other places in the New Testament (though he does not tell us where these words appear). 7:8–9). Doesn’t she, the lady, have any say in the matter? But each one has his own gift from God, one in this manner and another in that. Let them marry.In 1 Timothy 5:14 he lays down and justifies the same rule with reference to young widows. And yes, from the biblical point of view there’s a great deal to be said for the advantages of the single life. Why did He create for Adam “a helper comparable to him” (Genesis 2:18)? In each answer, there are some difficulties in the answer. When we view the verses through that understanding, the meaning changes completely! G: Paul is not hot on marriage, is he? $9 Million Match! All content © Tim Challies, 2002-2020. It is better to marry than to burn. Remarriage is as much a … The injustice argument that still has not gotten the attention it deserves: Marriage is unfair to single … Double your gift to save babies from abortion! Either way, Paul is urging Christians to be wise about marriage during situations of persecution or impending persecution because there is an additional responsibility within the family, and particularly when children are produced, that makes dealing with it all the more difficult. Unfortunately the phrase “only in the Lord” is unique to this place in the scriptures. In fact, for those with strong sexual urges, it is better to marry than to be consumed by unfulfilled desire. If a title is currently unavailable through Focus on the Family, we encourage you to use another retailer. These … In light of the traditional interpretation, we would assume that Paul is instructing these people to place a priority on the Lord’s work – dedicating themselves to that task – freed from the need to dedicate themselves to a marriage. Theologians have traditionally interpreted the first two verses of the passage to show that Paul is suggesting celibacy as a higher calling than marriage. But he also wants to say that the choice between celibacy and marriage is not between right and wrong, but between the best thing and the next best thing (v. 38): Paul, for example, did not have to worry about the extra problems and stresses that come with marriage and/or family. Since then it would seem that marriage has been normative for Christians – unless we have a good reason not to marry, we should get married. The Apostle Paul goes on to emphasize that marriage is not sinful in 1 Corinthians 7:28, where he said “But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned…” When the Lord leads two people to marry, it is not sin; it is a beautiful testimony to the Lord. Marriage is clearly not for everybody. However, if they feel they will be unable to contain themselves sexually, they should marry to avoid sin. And of course the same is true of the wife to her husband. And likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. Paul’s statement that it is better to marry than to burn supports the Bible’s strong stand against sexual immorality: if an unmarried couple are burning with passion for each other, they need to marry, not give in to sin. The list goes on and on. It’s a rare gift that God grants only to a few special individuals (see Matthew 19:10-12; I Corinthians 7:7). He does not say that because of the dangers of sexual immorality we should marry. There is one thing that continues to trouble me, and that is in the verses immediately following the passage I outlined above. Welcome to the online home of Tim Challies, blogger, author, and book reviewer. The Bible Reading Plan I Recommend for 2021, The Death of My Son and the Birth of My Savior, Nick Challies (March 5, 2000 – November 3, 2020), A Family Update Four Weeks After Our Worst Day. Paul never said it was not good to marry, or that celibacy was better than marriage – this was a fallacious and nonbiblical interpretation propagated by religious leaders of long ago, who were perhaps even influenced by Satan himself in order to assist in destroying what God intended to be good. Also Paul said … Because of commitment to some special work within the great overarching dome of God's rule over men (the kingdom of heaven), there are those who choose to be single. Genesis 20:4 [LXX.]). It’s central to the Lord’s original intentions for the human race. There is more to consider here than just marriage itself. Doesn't the Bible view marriage as a "second-class state"? Do you agree? We must be careful not to confuse the two. To answer this question what we will do is look at the reasons for the position and against the position. But we still believe that it’s the exception to the rule. I can assume, though, that he would provide the same explanation as before – though it may be good for them to remain unmarried, this does not make it the best or necessary decision, and certainly does not insinuate that remarriage is a lesser calling than remaining single. The typical explanation we hear in this regard is that celibacy allows people to be freed from the responsibilities of marriage and family, which gives them greater opportunity to dedicate themselves entirely to the Lord. So when Paul says not to touch a woman or not to marry, he is actually saying “it is good for a man not to be involved in sexual immorality.”. Or perhaps since they have already been married, they have in a sense fulfilled their obligation in that regard and are no longer normatively required to marry. - If they cannot contain; rather, if they have not continency. The original tenses give greater force and beauty to this … For it is better to marry than to burn with sexual desire” (1 Cor. Sorry to defer a decision, but I am going to reserve judgment on this one for the time being while I see what other Christians have to say on the matter. Singleness is better than marriage when no … Resources Paul makes this clear when he repeats himself: “To the unmarried and widows I say that it is best for them to remain as I am [celibate and single]. 1 Now concerning the things of which you wrote to me: Why did He purposely make man “male and female” (Genesis 1:27)? He counseled, however, that if they could not do that, it would be better for them to marry than to commit sexual sin. The sexual context of these words is clear. The Solution. Agreed, Markum. I should say just one brief word about that infamous sentence in 1 Corinthians 7:9: “If they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry. It is clear that Paul was not against marriage but he wrote it is better not to marry. I have often struggled with reconciling God’s plan that we should marry and Paul’s words that we should avoid marriage unless we will not be strong enough to avoid sexual sin. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion. That’s not the point. Now we see that the gift he has is the gift of self-control. We start this morning our study of this seventh chapter in our continuing look at 1 Corinthians, and we are coming to a very important and controversial chapter. The one who marries his virgin does well. My own study of history leads me to believe that singleness was far more common in the past than it is today. The apostle is giving advice to the single, whom he refers to as the unmarried and the widows. He devoted his entire life to spreading the Word of God. learn more ›. 1 Corinthians 7:9 | View whole chapter | See verse in context But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn. People react to what Paul says in 1 … 7For I wish that all men were even as I myself. It will help you learn to structure your life to do the most good to the glory of God. He does not directly show how these verses apply to the preceding ones in light of his new explanation. If people think they can serve God better unmarried, it is probably because of what Paul teaches in 1 Corinthians 7. He also makes it clear that his ideas about the advantages of the single life are largely a response to the practical necessities of the immediate historical situation (i.e., persecution and hardship-see v. 26). That much we’ll grant you. 7:38). On the other hand, some people do better as a team, serving God as a couple and a family. Double your gift for struggling families! It “happens” to people for a wide variety of reasons. Paul in particular doesn’t pull any punches in this regard: “But I say to the unmarried and to the widows: it is good for them if they remain even as I am; but if they cannot exercise self-control, let them marry. Celibacy, on the other hand, is a vocation. Theologians have traditionally interpreted the first two verses of the passage to show that Paul is suggesting celibacy as a higher calling than marriage. Paul’s usage, then, should be similar to what we read about in regards to Abimelech not touching Sarah or Boaz who ordered his men not to touch Ruth. He said that because there are now other factors in the equation. It is very important to be clear on what Paul is saying, and not saying, in his lengthy teaching about the married and unmarried states in this chapter. But those who marry will face many troubles in this life, and I want to spare you this. In lieu of a comments section, I accept and encourage letters to the editor. Paul never meant that it was ALWAYS BETTER to NOT marry. In the case of this one I do find it satisfying, and more satisfying than the standard explanation. This explanation has always troubled me, for at the beginning of time, while the word was still perfect, God said “it is not good for man to be alone” and in a sinless world instituted marriage. 1 Cor 7: 28But if you do marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. Paul in particular doesn’t pull any punches in this regard: “But I say to the unmarried and to the widows: it is good for them if they remain even as I am; but if they cannot exercise self-control, let them marry. 9 But if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.” It seems that these verses may be easier to understand in light of a traditional interpretation of the first 7 verses. What we will look for is the answer with the least amount of difficulties. Verses 8 and 9 of the same chapter read “8But I say to the unmarried and to the widows: It is good for them if they remain even as I am; 9but if they cannot exercise self-control, let them marry. However, if a person is unable to control himself because of sexual immorality, he should marry to avoid sinning. This is a well-known passage from the book of Corinthians (1 Corinthians 7:1-7 NKJV). I do not want to put words in his mouth, so will leave it at that. But that, of course, does not make it right. But if they do not have self-control, let them get married. By the time Ganz reaches verses 8 and 9 he has begun a new chapter and looks at the verses under a different topical heading. Then our Lord speaks of a third class who are not forced by circumstances to be single, but who do so wholly by choice. But I say this as a concession, not as a commandment. Celibacy under the then existing conditions of the Christian world is, he admits, in itself an honourable and morally salutary thing, though, for the majority, marriage may be a positive duty. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion” (I Corinthians 7:8, 9). (20 Controversies – page 100). Singleness is circumstantial. Site by Mere. I generally get a bit nervous (justifiably, I think) when I read words such as “I have already presented my interpretation, which is substantially different from that of my fellow Christian theologians.” (page 103). I have now blogged for 6,266 consecutive days. 7:40). Paul thinks the one who doesn’t marry his fiancé does “better” than the one who gets married (1 Cor. He says there are those who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of God. Paul places himself in the group of people who are either previously married or divorced (we do not know which, but it is likely that Paul was married and perhaps his wife left him when he became a Christian). 6But I say this as a concession, not as a commandment. We understand that singleness can be a good thing in many situations and for a number of different reasons. In his explanation of this chapter he provides an alternative to the traditional view. 8, 10, 12, 25). The practical application seems plain: if you’re single and aren’t convinced that you have a clear calling to the celibate life, you should be thinking seriously about exploring the option of marriage. He seems to provide adequate Scriptural support and takes into account other passages of Scripture. That’s why we consider marriage such an important part of the divine plan for the average believer (I Corinthians 7:2). If you’d like to discuss this subject at greater length, give us a call. Such statements make it clear that marriage is anything but a “second-class state.” On the contrary, it’s vital to the design of creation. He would not have been such a useful messenger if he had been married. Focus on the Family has a staff of pastoral counselors who would love to speak with you over the phone. The meaning of the passage is fairly straightforward. But now our Lord gives a word of counsel to these groups. Having dispensed with the possibility of sexual immorality within a Christian marriage, Paul explains the importance of a mutually satisfying sexual relationship. I have recently been reading a study of 1 Corinthians by Richard Ganz entitled 20 Controversies That Almost Killed A Church. Rather, Paul suggested that it was in fact better to marry, except only for those widowed, who have already bee… For it is better to marry than to burn with passion. It is, he states, good or advisable for them to remain in their single state for the reasons spelled out in 7:26, 32-35. G: What? If you would like to write a letter to the editor, you can do so here. We cannot go to another place in the N… But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. 2Nevertheless, because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband. ARE PAUL’S INSTRUCTIONS IN 1 CORINTHIANS 7 AUTHORITATIVE? At the same time, we can’t possibly go along with the idea that “marriage is a second-class state” or that “singleness is the ideal.” If that were true, why did God say in the very beginning that “it is not good that man should be alone” (Genesis 2:18)? Got something to say? It says if they are not exercising self-control. Difficult family situations. To these people he says that it is good for them to remain unmarried but if they are unable to exercise self-control, they should marry instead of burning with passion. Have Focus on the Family resources helped you or your family? Women do not need the protection and support of a spouse to serve God, and neither do men. Why did He bless Adam and Eve with the words, “Be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:28)? I worship and serve as a pastor at Grace Fellowship Church in Toronto, Ontario, and am a co-founder of Cruciform Press. Whatever else he may be saying, he is certainly not arguing that singleness is the “standard” for human life. 1 Cor 7 does not say it is wrong to marry, only that it is better because it is less complicated. I believe this is a genuine insight that we need to take seriously. In an age where women were regarded as second-class citizens, Paul writes about the importance of a husband dedicating himself to his wife and giving to her any rights he might hold back that would keep her from enjoying sexual intimacy with him. In our opinion, the charge of living a completely asexual life â and this, we must remember, is what “singleness” or celibacy implies for a serious Christian â is a difficult standard to achieve. Naturally, we don’t take any of this to mean that married people are somehow “superior” to singles. My daily, curated collection of Kindle deals for Christians. Yes, double my gift to save twice the lives this Christmas! Now Paul said, “it is better to marry.” But why did he say that? According to Paul, singleness is the ideal. The church fathers taught this view and it impacted the Roman Catholic Church as they forbade their clergy to marry, lest it keep them from their higher calling. P: Let them get married. $9 Million Match! It almost seems he should accept a substandard Christian walk because of his lack of self-control. (1 Corinthians 7:2, 5–6) So how can marriage be somehow not preferable or a concession in light of the verses we see in Genesis 2:18 and Proverbs 18:22? Although some may be called to give their complete life and devotion to God, and have no difficulty with that, if a man is married or wants to marry, that is a good thing. The First Five Years of Marriage: Launching a Lifelong, Successful Relationship, Sacred Marriage: What If God Designed Marriage to Make Us Holy More Than to Make Us Happy. But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with … The one who does not marry her will do better. St. Paul means generally "not to marry" (comp. I am a follower of Jesus Christ, a husband to Aileen and a father to three children. Isn’t Paul promoting rape, out of wedlock sex and teen pregnancy? It is first important to note that the “unmarried” Paul is referring to are people who have been previously married but have gone through a legitimate divorce. The Apostle Paul on Marriage and Singleness, 8605 Explorer Drive Colorado Springs, CO 80920-1051, Grandparents Threatened to Either Support Transgender Grandchild or Be Cut Off, How to Find Counseling Support for Teen With Sexual Identity Issues, When Family Secrets Come Out: How to Work Through Your Feelings and Find a Way Forward. Immorality within a Christian marriage, Paul is telling us to flee not! 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