1 Corinthians 7:36-38
Marriage is good, yet remaining unmarried can serve the Lord's purposes in a unique way.
36 But if any man thinks that he is behaving inappropriately toward his virgin, if she is past the flower of her age, and if need so requires, let him do what he desires. He doesn’t sin. Let them marry.
37 But he who stands steadfast in his heart, having no urgency, but has power over his own will, and has determined in his own heart to keep his own virgin, does well.
38 So then both he who gives his own virgin in marriage does well, and he who doesn’t give her in marriage does better.
Marriage is good, yet remaining unmarried can serve the Lord's purposes in a unique way.
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.
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.
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.
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.