[Bar -Yuhanon Raban]
*Summary of Pericope*
Dissecting the passage of 1 Corinthians 7:1-7, Paul addresses marital responsibilities in response to the Corinthians' inquiries. He commences by stating that it is ideal for individuals to remain devoted to God, as he is, but acknowledges that not everyone possesses self-control. Consequently, to avoid succumbing to sexual immorality, marriage is a preferable option.
Paul emphasizes the importance of mutual conjugal rights and responsibilities between spouses. He instructs husbands to fulfill their marital duties to their wives, and vice versa, ensuring that neither partner deprives the other of physical intimacy. This reciprocal obligation serves as a safeguard against temptation and sexual sin.
In essence, Paul's counsel prioritizes marriage as a means to maintain moral purity, while also underscoring the significance of mutual respect, love, and commitment within the marital bond.
(v. 1a) *"Now concerning the matters about which you wrote:"*
This phrase, used by Paul to introduce a specific topic or issue, signals that he is about to address a particular concern raised by the Corinthian church. The phrase "the matters" refers to the topic that follows, which in this case (7:1-7) is the relationship between men and women. Notably, Paul adds "about which you wrote," a phrase unique to this verse, indicating that he is responding directly to the church's inquiries as expressed in their written letter. This added phrase emphasizes that the church specifically asked about this topic, prompting Paul's guidance on marital responsibilities. Unlike other instances where Paul uses "now concerning," this phrase acknowledges the church's direct inquiry, setting the stage for his response to their concerns about man-woman relationships.
(v. 1b) *"It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman"*
According to the Greek Interlinear Bible, the phrase "it is good" is translated from the Greek word "Kalon," (Καλόν) meaning "ideal." Additionally, the word "sexual relations" is translated from "Haptesthai," ( Ἁπτέσθαι ) which literally means "to be touching." Therefore, a word-for-word translation could be rendered as "it is ideal for a man not to be touching a woman." In the context of this passage, Paul is explicitly addressing sexual relationships between men and women.
Paul, an exemplary figure to the believers, is advocating for an ideal state of being, one that he himself embodies through his unmarried life and gift of self-control. This allows him to devote himself fully to God. However, recognizing that not everyone possesses this gift, Paul advises believers to refrain from immoral "Haptesthai" with women. In this context, "Haptesthai" encompasses various meanings, including not being sexually intimate, not lusting after, or not engaging in pre-marital sex with a woman. Paul's guidance emphasizes the importance of self-control and moral purity in relationships.
By using "Haptesthai," Paul conveys a broader understanding of sexual relationships, encouraging believers to maintain a high standard of conduct. His words serve as a reminder that while celibacy may be ideal, it is not attainable for everyone. Therefore, he provides guidance for those who are married or contemplating marriage, emphasizing the need for mutual respect, love, and commitment within the marital bond.
(v. 2) *"But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband;"*
In verse 2, Paul explains why he encouraged marriage and marital sexual relationships among believers. The phrase "But because of" indicates a specific reason for his advice. Paul recognized that not everyone possesses the gift of celibacy, and attempting to follow his lifestyle without proper understanding and self-control might lead to failure. Although his personal ideology valued a single, devoted life before God, he cautiously encouraged marriage to avoid promoting the idea that celibacy is inherently more spiritual than marriage.
The reason for Paul's encouragement of marriage is the temptation to sexual immorality, specifically prostitution (Greek: πορνεία - "porneias"). By promoting healthy marriage, Paul aimed to prevent believers from engaging in prostitution and emphasized the importance of marital sex in family life. In essence, he advocated for a sex-filled marital relationship as essential for a successful family life. The second part of verse 2 introduces a new concept for the Corinthians, given their cultural and religious background: each man should have his own wife, and each woman her own husband. This principle is a fundamental command from the Lord for all believers, and Paul uses it to condemn polygamy, considering it a form of prostitution. Through this verse, Paul establishes monogamy as the standard for Christian marriage.
(v. 3) *"The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband;"*
In verse 3, Paul offers the second piece of advice for an ideal marital relationship, building on the foundation of monogamy established in verse 2. He emphasizes the importance of conjugal rights, translated from the Greek word "Opheilen," ( ὀφειλὴν ) meaning "the owed affection." This phrase highlights the mutual obligation of husband and wife to provide emotional and sexual fulfillment to each other, leaving no room for selfishness in their relationship. The husband should ensure the wife's pleasure, and vice versa, thereby fulfilling their conjugal rights.
The concept of conjugal rights extends beyond sexual relationships, encompassing all aspects of married life. Both partners should prioritize each other's needs and desires, living for each other's benefit. This selfless approach fosters a deep sense of unity and mutual support, essential for a thriving marital bond. By emphasizing the importance of conjugal rights, Paul encourages spouses to cultivate a culture of giving, where both partners feel valued, loved, and fulfilled. This advice serves as a cornerstone for building strong, healthy, and fulfilling marriages.
*(v. 4) "For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does."*
In verse 4, Paul continues to expound on the principles of marital relationships, presenting a novel concept to Jewish and Gentile Christians in Corinth. He teaches that sexual desires and expressions within marriage are holy before God, but refusing to submit to one's partner is equivalent to dishonoring God. Consequently, husbands and wives are under each other's authority. The Greek word "exousiazei" (Ἐξουσιάζει) translates to "exercise authority upon" or "bring under the power of," indicating a deep level of mutual submission.
Notably, Paul uses the word "body" (σῶμα 'soma'), which encompasses the entirety of a person's being, rather than just their physical flesh. This distinction is crucial, as it expands the meaning beyond mere sexual authority. Paul is emphasizing that husbands and wives have authority over each other's personalities, symbolizing a profound unity where individuality is surrendered. This mutual submission transcends physical intimacy, encompassing emotional, intellectual, and spiritual aspects of their relationship. By using "body" instead of "flesh," Paul highlights the comprehensive nature of marital union, where both partners become one in every sense.
(v. 5) *Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.*
He advises against depriving each other of sexual intimacy, except in cases where both partners agree to a temporary separation for the purpose of devoted prayer. Paul emphasizes the importance of mutual consent and a limited timeframe for such separations, ensuring that the couple reunites to maintain their marital bond and protect themselves from Satan's temptations.
Paul's instruction, "Do not deprive one another," is a clear directive against withholding sexual intimacy from one's spouse. This prohibition highlights the importance of maintaining physical and spiritual unity in marriage. However, Paul allows for exceptions, permitting couples to agree upon a short-term separation for the purpose of dedicated prayer. This temporary separation must be mutually decided and limited in duration, as emphasized by Morris and Barclay.
Even during these periods of separation, Paul stresses the need for couples to reunite, ensuring their safety from sexual temptations. He acknowledges that the fleshly nature, with its inherent lack of self-control, persists even after marriage. Therefore, Paul advises couples to fulfill their marital duties, safeguarding themselves against Satan's temptations. By doing so, Paul reinforces the significance of maintaining a healthy and active marital relationship, founded on mutual love, respect, and commitment.
(v. 6 ) *"Now as a concession, not a command, I say this."*
In verse 6, Paul reiterates his personal ideal, clarifying that his previous instructions regarding marriage and intimacy were concessions rather than commands. He acknowledges that marriage is permitted due to the lack of self-control, but it is not a requirement. Paul's own preference, as expressed earlier, is for a devoted, single life, which he believes is ideal for ministry. However, he recognizes that not everyone possesses the gift of self-control, and for such individuals, marriage serves as a safeguard against temptation.
Paul's distinction between concession and command is crucial. He is not mandating marriage for all believers but rather allowing it as a provision for those who struggle with self-control. This nuanced approach acknowledges the diversity of spiritual gifts and abilities within the Christian community. While Paul's personal calling is to a life of singleness and devotion, he accommodates the needs of others, emphasizing the importance of responsible marital relationships for those who require them.
(v. 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."*
Paul expresses his personal desire for others to share his gift of celibacy, which he believes enables him to devote himself fully to God's service. As an apostle, his primary focus is on preaching and teaching about the coming kingdom of God. Paul views celibacy as a positive choice, allowing him to please the Lord through maximum obedience to his calling. While acknowledging that celibacy is not for everyone, Paul encourages believers to discover their unique gifts in this area.
Paul uses the Greek word "charisma" (χάρισμα) to describe both marriage and celibacy, emphasizing that these are divine gifts. He recognizes that not everyone receives the same gifts, but rather, God distributes them according to His will. Paul is not disparaging marriage but rather encouraging those with the gift of celibacy to focus on the Lord's second coming, acknowledging that married individuals may face challenges in devoting themselves fully to ministry. In essence, Paul affirms that both celibacy and marriage can be paths to a godly life, depending on God's manifestation in each individual's life. By recognizing and embracing their unique gifts, believers can live a life that honors God.
*Message:*
We must seek guidance from the Holy Spirit to nurture our gifts related to marriage or celibacy and fulfill the responsibilities of our gifts by His grace.
*Outline:*
We must recognize that Holy Matrimony is a sacrament established by God to overcome the temptations of sexual immorality. Celibacy, on the other hand, is a gift from God, enabling individuals to dedicate themselves to His ministry.
*Applications:*
As faithful followers of God, we must enjoy Him and His gifts. Marriage is a gift from God, and we are allowed to enjoy it with full authority. Similarly, we should spend time with God to enjoy Him. Celibacy is a choice, but only for those who have received the gift of self-control from God. Individuals who choose celibacy must understand the ugliness of sexual immorality and the beauty and sanctity of marriage. They must also be willing to renounce the pleasures of marriage. Married couples must be faithful to God and each other, with no individualism in any area of their lives, including their personalities. Single individuals must focus on enjoying God and His ministry, seeking God's grace to cultivate their devoted life and living for His glory.
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*Bibliography:*
- Ellingworth, Paul, and Hatton, Howard. A Translator's Handbook on Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians. United Bible Societies, New York, 1985.
- Bratcher, Robert G. A Translator's Guide to Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians. United Bible Societies, New York, 1982.
- Arthur, Mac. New Testament Commentary: 1 Corinthians. The Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, 1984.
- Barclay, William. The Letters to the Corinthians. The Westminster Press, Philadelphia, 1977.
- Orr, William F., and Walther, James Arthur. 1 Corinthians. Doubleday & Company, INC., New York, 1976.
- Barnett, Paul. 1 Corinthians: Holiness and Hope of a Rescued People. Christian Focus Publications, Scotland, 2000.
- Morris, Leon. The First Epistle of Paul to the Corinthians: An Introduction and Commentary. W.B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Michigan, 1958, p. 107.
- Strong's Greek Dictionary. (http://www.htmlbible.com/sacrednamebiblecom/kjvstrongs/STRGRK18.htm) (accessed October 21, 2010).
- Scripture4All Online Interlinear. (http://www.scripture4all.org/OnlineInterlinear/Greek_Index.htm) (accessed October 18, 2010).
- ESV Study Bible.
- NIV Bible.
- NKJV Open Bible.
- Visudha Grandham.
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