고린도전서 Chapter 7

Translation: ESV

1

Now concerning the matters about which you wrote: 'It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman.'

Key Message

Marriage and celibacy are both good ways of life given by God; neither is absolutely superior.

▸From chapter 7, Paul answers questions the Corinthians raised in a letter.

From chapter 7, Paul answers questions the Corinthians raised in a letter. The question concerns marriage and celibacy. 'It is good' is a situational opinion, and the following verses make clear that marriage too is God's gift. Celibacy is not absolutely superior to marriage.

Related Verses

Then the LORD God said, 'It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.'
7

I wish that all were as I myself am. But each has his own gift from God, one of one kind and one of another.

Key Message

Both marriage and celibacy are gifts from God; wisdom is serving God with the gift one has received.

▸Celibacy is a gift for Paul himself, but it is not applicable to everyone.

32

I want you to be free from anxieties. The unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to please the Lord.

Key Message

The benefit of celibacy is being able to devote oneself to the Lord's work without distraction, and this can be a reason for choosing celibacy in certain situations.

▸The practical benefit of celibacy is being able to focus wholly on the Lord's affairs.