Relationships, marriage and divorce

Introduction: Why Paul is Writing About Relationships

Welcome to our study of 1 Corinthians 7! In this chapter, the Apostle Paul is responding to specific questions sent to him by the Christian community in Corinth. The Corinthians were confused about how to live as Christians in a world that was often very different from their new faith. They wanted to know: Is it better to be married or single? What if my spouse isn't a Christian? Should I get a divorce?

Understanding Paul’s answers requires us to look through two "lenses" that influenced everything he wrote here: Gnostic-style beliefs and the Parousia (the Second Coming of Jesus). Don't worry if those words sound big—we will break them down together!

1. Two Key Influences on Paul’s Teaching

To understand why Paul gives certain advice, we have to understand what was happening in the minds of the Corinthian Christians.

A. Gnostic Beliefs: "The Body is Worthless"

Some people in Corinth were influenced by Gnostic ideas. They believed that the "spirit" was good, but the "physical body" was worthless or even evil. This led to two opposite reactions:
• Some thought they could do whatever they wanted with their bodies because it didn't matter.
• Others (the ones Paul addresses here) thought Christians should avoid all physical pleasures, including sex within marriage, to stay "pure."

B. The Parousia: "Jesus is Coming Soon"

The early Christians, including Paul at this stage, believed in the Parousia—the immediate return of Jesus.
Analogy: Imagine you are waiting for a bus that is arriving in two minutes. You wouldn't start reading a long novel or painting a fence, right? You’d be focused on the bus. Paul felt that because the "time is short," Christians should focus entirely on God rather than starting new life chapters like getting married.

Quick Review: Paul’s advice is shaped by the idea that the body is for God's glory and the belief that Jesus is returning very soon.

2. Marriage and Celibacy (1 Corinthians 7:1–9)

Paul starts by addressing the idea that "it is well for a man not to touch a woman" (meaning sexual relations). While Paul himself was single and saw the benefits of it, his advice is very practical:

• Marriage is a safeguard: Because there is so much sexual immorality, Paul says it is better to marry than to "burn with passion."
• Mutual Rights: Unlike the culture of the time, Paul emphasizes that husbands and wives have equal "rights" to each other's bodies. Neither should deprive the other of sex, except by mutual agreement for a short time of prayer.
• A Gift from God: Paul says that both being single (celibacy) and being married are "gifts" from God. One is not "holier" than the other.

3. Divorce and Mixed Marriages (1 Corinthians 7:10–17)

Paul gives different "levels" of advice here, depending on the situation:

A. To Christian Couples (v. 10–11)

Paul says this isn't just his opinion—it is a command from the Lord (Jesus): Do not divorce. If a woman does leave her husband, she should remain unmarried or be reconciled to him.

B. To "Mixed" Marriages (v. 12–16)

What if a Christian is married to someone who does not believe in Jesus?
• Stay together: If the non-believing spouse is willing to stay, the Christian should not seek a divorce.
• Consecration: Paul offers a beautiful thought: the unbelieving spouse and the children are "made holy" or "consecrated" because of the believer's presence in the home.
• The "Pauline Privilege": If the non-believer chooses to leave, the Christian is not "bound" or "enslaved" to the marriage. Paul says, "God has called you to peace."

Key Takeaway: Paul values the stability of the home but prioritizes peace and the freedom to serve God.

4. Status and the "Present Crisis" (1 Corinthians 7:21, 25–31)

Paul tells the Corinthians to "lead the life that the Lord has assigned" (v. 17). He applies this to two groups:

A. Slaves and Freemen (v. 21)

Paul tells slaves not to be overly concerned about their status. Even though they are slaves in the world, they are "freedmen" in Christ. However, he adds a practical note: "If you can gain your freedom, avail yourself of the opportunity."

B. The Unmarried and the "Present Crisis" (v. 25–31)

Paul refers to a "present crisis" (likely the hardships of living in a world ending soon). His advice is:
• If you are single, stay single to avoid "earthly distress."
• If you are married, don't seek a divorce.
• The "As If" Principle: Paul tells Christians to live "as if" the world isn't their final home. Those with wives should live as though they had none; those mourning as though they were not mourning. Why? Because "the present form of this world is passing away."

Did you know? Paul’s focus was on undivided devotion to God. He thought marriage might distract people from being ready for Jesus' return.

5. Evaluation: Local Problems or Universal Rules? (AO2 Focus)

This is a major topic for your exams. You may be asked: Does Paul’s teaching only apply to the first century, or is it for all Christians today?

Arguments that it was LOCAL (First Century only):

• The Parousia: Paul’s advice is based on the belief that Jesus would return in his lifetime. Since that didn't happen as expected, some argue the urgency of staying single is less relevant now.
• Gnostic influence: Paul was specifically trying to correct the extreme "no sex ever" view in Corinth.
• Cultural Status: His advice on slavery (v. 21) reflects a first-century social structure that has changed.

Arguments that it is UNIVERSAL (For all Christians):

• The Lord’s Command: On divorce, Paul explicitly cites the teaching of Jesus, which Christians view as timeless.
• Sacredness of Marriage: His teaching on mutual rights and the "holiness" of the family is seen as a foundational Christian principle.
• Devotion to God: The core idea—that we should not let earthly relationships distract us from God—is a central theme throughout the New Testament.

Summary Table: Quick Review

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don't assume Paul is "anti-marriage." He actually defends marriage against those who thought it was "unholy" (the Gnostic-influenced group), even though he personally preferred the single life for the sake of the ministry.

Note: For more on how Paul views the community as a whole, see the chapter "Division and unity: the church as the body of Christ."