Navigating Relationships: Insights from 1 Corinthians 7

In 1 Corinthians 7 Paul begins to address some specific questions that the Corinthian church seem to have asked him about. Ch 7 – is on relationships; singleness, marriage and divorce. Such topics are not the easiest to discuss, so please bear in mind that a post such as this cannot encompass all aspects/ situations of such topics.

The chapter can be read in its entirety here.

Lets look at why the Corinthian church had questions about marriage and singleness. Commentaries indicate that in the culture then (the roman empire in the first century) had no uniform way of getting married. There were three ways , the first was called, Common law marriage – this was when they lived together for over a period of time, the law would then consider them married. The second was an Arranged marriage, this was when marriage alliances were made for purely financial reasons. And the third was the Traditional marriage that was usually seen among the nobility. In addition to this there were also some erroneous views on physical pleasure. The first was Gnosticsm, where it was taught that the body does not matter, it is all about the spirit, so whatever you do in the physical does not have an impact on your spirit. And the other was Asceticsm, which taught that all pleasure was wrong and you should deny yourself physically even within a marriage.

From the viewpoint of the Corinthian Christians, coming from a background that had such varying views on how to be married along with two false doctrines predominant in the culture then, we gain an understanding of why they sought clarity from Paul on what was right in God’s eyes.

Paul begins by addressing the singles in the church. What Paul says is that God validates singleness. That it is perfectly fine to be single, it offers a unique opportunity to serve God. For those who can remain contently unmarried, should do so and serve God but there are also guardrails that have to be honoured in singleness. As he validates singleness, he also advocates marriage. He talks about practical issues like the responsibilities within marriage, including sexual relations and that within a marriage we should not be demanding of what we want but what our partner needs (v3).

He then addresses the issue of divorce. God has a standard on divorce, as Malachi 2:16 says ‘God hates divorce’. What God says here through the pen of Paul about separation in verse 10 is that although not ideal it is sometimes necessary when things are really bad in a marriage. The initial intent of separation is always with a goal for reconciliation and not divorce. But we also know that things always do not go ideally as we hoped. So, for those who read these scripture verses and it does not reflect how things played out for you, remember that God loves you and He is a God who knows and understands. He sees your heart, your situation and His love for you is not defined by either what happened to you or by your choices. He is your faithful loving Father, who never turns His back on those who draw near to Him.

Paul then writes about the importance of remaining in the state one was in when called to faith, unless there’s a compelling reason to change. Considering the situation then of people who were married and one came to faith and the other had not, Paul encourages that if possible remain within your marriage. Your presence and conduct speaks volumes to a non-believer and for your children, your presence as a believer is valuable and has a sanctifying influence as they are exposed to Christ through your life.

Relationships form the crux of our lives – with God and with people. And because relationships form such an important aspect of our lives, they can be very satisfying to deeply difficult to everything in between. In v19, Paul says Keeping God’s commands is what counts. So, whatever specific relationship situation comes to the forefront of your mind as you read this passage, Paul reminds us that every choice and decision should always consider first if it is in alignment with God’s word and His commands.

God, thankyou for your word. As we look into passages such as this may you give us understanding and clarity to not only understand correctly what you intend to say to us but also help us to apply it according to your will in specific situations as needed. We rely on your wisdom and guidance always. Amen.

God Bless.