Marriage and Singleness: Both Paths Serve God's Purpose
Marriage is good, yet remaining unmarried can serve the Lord's purposes in a unique way.
1 Corinthians 7:36-38 (BSB)
36 However, if someone thinks he is acting inappropriately toward his betrothed, and if she is beyond her youth and they ought to marry, let him do as he wishes; he is not sinning; they should get married.
37 But the man who is firmly established in his heart and under no constraint, with control over his will and resolve in his heart not to marry the virgin, he will do well.
38 So then, he who marries the virgin does well, but he who does not marry her does even better.
What is the big idea of 1 Corinthians 7:36-38?
Marriage is good, yet remaining unmarried can serve the Lord's purposes in a unique way.
How does 1 Corinthians 7:36-38 point to Christ?
The gospel frees believers from seeking identity in social status or personal circumstance. Whether married or single, believers live under the lordship of Christ, whose redeeming work defines their purpose and devotion.
How does 1 Corinthians 7:36-38 relate to the life and ministry of Jesus?
Jesus affirmed marriage as part of God's created order while also acknowledging that some may remain unmarried for the sake of the kingdom of God.
Authorial Intent
Paul provides pastoral instruction regarding decisions about marriage, affirming that marriage is honorable while acknowledging that remaining unmarried may allow for focused devotion to the Lord.
Literary Context
This passage continues Paul's extended instruction regarding marriage and singleness in chapter seven. After explaining the advantages of undivided devotion available in singleness, Paul now balances his counsel by affirming that marriage is not sinful and may be the appropriate course for many believers. The concern in Corinth appears to have included confusion about whether marriage should be avoided entirely. Paul's pastoral correction guards against unnecessary restrictions while maintaining the earlier emphasis on devotion to the Lord.
Historical Context
Questions about marriage, betrothal, and sexual ethics were pressing issues within the Corinthian church. Some believers may have been influenced by ascetic tendencies that discouraged marriage altogether, while others struggled with moral compromise. Paul addresses these tensions by affirming the goodness of marriage while allowing for voluntary singleness.
Chapter: 1 Corinthians 7
Marriage, Singleness, Calling, and Undistracted Devotion to the Lord
In light of the present age and the believer’s belonging to Christ, marriage and singleness are both gifts to be stewarded with holiness, faithfulness, contentment, and undistracted devotion to the Lord.