Corinth was a city shaped by pagan culture, where Christian morality was neither known nor naturally understood. The moral challenges faced by the early church in Corinth arose, in part, from this cultural background. Into this context, the Apostle Paul addresses practical and doctrinal questions concerning marriage, singleness, and Christian living in 1 Corinthians 7.

In doing so, Paul lays a foundation not only for individual households but also for the health and witness of the wider Christian community. In an age where Christian values are often questioned or set aside, these teachings remain deeply relevant.

In this chapter, Paul steps back to provide foundational teaching on marriage and singleness—principles that would shape not only the church but, in time, much of western society.

In days when Christian culture is being undermined and challenged, this teaching is more relevant than ever.

Avoidance of Sexual Relationships by the Unmarried

“Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman. Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.”

1 Corinthians 7:1-2

“for it is better to marry than to burn.”

1 Corinthians 7:9

“But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his virgin, if she pass the flower of her age, and need so require, let him do what he will, he sinneth not: let them marry.”

1 Corinthians 7:36

Paul presupposes that sexual relationships should only exist between a man and a woman within the context of marriage. In addition it is clear that two genders only exist in the plan of God for mankind.

In this age of gender confusion, the normalisation of homosexuality and wholesale promiscuous lifestyles among heterosexuals, these are important lessons in laying down a Christian basis.

The warning against promiscuity, likening it to “burning” is solemn and serious, teaching that while blessings exist within the married bond, harm ensues through immoral living outside of this union.

The Gift of Singleness

“For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that.”

1 Corinthians 7:7

“But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife.”

1 Corinthians 7:33

It is evident that Paul was unmarried, whether by choice or through circumstances. Whether he was once married and subsequently lost his wife is unclear. Throughout his ministry, however, he served as one who was without the burden of marriage and family life.

Paul did not enforce celibacy as a rule upon the Church. This was never God’s plan for the Church and the world otherwise we wouldn’t have any children.

Paul, however, recognised the benefits of celibacy for those who would have more time to devote to the work of God. Therefore for some singleness was a gift and one to be embraced as an opportunity for service.

Choosing to Marry Only in the Lord

“she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.”

1 Corinthians 7:39

Marriage for Christians must be always with fellow Christians. Marrying in the Lord sets Christian marriage above the marriage among the unconverted. Christian marriage uniquely reflects and teaches the grace and love of Christ. It’s an amazing responsibility and privilege.

The Selfless Marriage

“But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife. There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband.”

1 Corinthians 7:33-34

There is an expectation that the Christian husband works to please his wife, while the Christian wife pleases her husband. This means setting aside personal desires and ambition for the sake of the harmony of the marriage bond.

Faithfulness within the Marriage Bond

“But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.”

1 Corinthians 7:11

Those who take the marriage vows are to have eyes for no-one else; the true meaning of ‘nuptials’. Marriage cannot be abandoned at a whim. There are duties and obligations when a man and woman covenant together in holy matrimony.

The Indissolubility of the Marriage Bond

“The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth”

1 Corinthians 7:39

While divorce is sadly necessary on occasions on account of the brokenness of our world, this was not God’s plan for marriage. Our vows recognise that the marriage bond should be severed only by death.

Believing and Unbelieving Spouses

“And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him. For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy. But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace. For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife?”

1 Corinthians 7:13-16

One who is married to a believer is a uniquely privileged individual. The home is favoured because a Christian forms one partner in the marriage. This is a powerful argument encouraging such people to come to Christ. Embrace the privilege and come to the Saviour who is blessing you richly because of a husband or wife’s faith. A believing spouse does not convert your soul, but such a partner points you to the Saviour with a love that few others can show.

This, however, does not condone the unequal yoke as a legitimate choice. Paul is here writing about people who were both unbelievers at the time of marriage but one was converted at a later date.

Paul, however, was a realist – some of those believers who had pagan partners would suffer marriage breakdown. While the believer was obliged to do all in their power in keep the home and marriage together, this was not always possible if a willingness did not exist on the part of the other. If the marrriage did break down because the unbeliever left – the Christian was not be defined by this circumstance and was certainly not to be under bondage. Divorce is a sad reality in our world. The Church, does well to be like Paul, and pray over ways of showing love and consideration to those experiencing the pain of breakdown through no fault of their own.

Christian Children

“now are they holy.”

1 Corinthians 7:14

Children of believers are part of the visible life and witness of the Church. While they are not members of the invisible Church—the body of Christ—until they are born again, they nevertheless belong within the gathered people of God. They are prayed over, taught, and instructed in the things of the Lord. This privilege does not save them, but it directs them to the Saviour who will.

Learning Contentment

“Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called. Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather. For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord’s freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ’s servant. Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men. Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God.”

1 Corinthians 7:20-24

Whatever our calling – to marriage with or without children, to those who are single and even to widows – the Scriptures teach contentment. Our lives have been purchased by the blood of Christ. Let us live as unto the Lord.

Conclusion

1 Corinthians 7 provides a balanced and practical framework for understanding marriage, singleness, and Christian living. It affirms the goodness of marriage, the value of singleness, the call to faithfulness, and the importance of contentment in every circumstance.

Whether in marriage or singleness, the call is the same: to live wholly for Christ, with lives marked by faithfulness, contentment, and devotion to His will.