Monday: Read 1 Cor 7:1-6
Paul opens 1 Cor 7:1 with the statement, “now concerning the matters you wrote about.” This is a clear indication that Paul is now responding to a letter they wrote to him.
One of the things that makes understanding Corinthians difficult is that we do not know what they said in their letter. We can only infer what they said based on Paul’s response. It is important to recognize that sometimes Paul cites what they said and then responds. If we assume that every word of 1st Corinthians is the word of Paul, we may end up with some crazy ideas.
Thus, we struggle to understand 1st Corinthians because it is hard to discern when Paul is quoting them and when he is himself speaking. This is very important for reading Paul—especially 1st Corinthians. Some of what we read are not Paul’s words.
Another difficulty is that some of what Paul says appears to be a concession to their claims. Paul seems to be saying, “well, okay, but”—as we move through this letter, notice how often Paul will say something and then say, “but.” If we establish dogma based on what we think Paul says, we might find ourselves in trouble.
This problem is very evident even in 7:1. There was a debate in the Roman world as to whether sex was permitted for pleasure or to be reserved only for procreation. It appears that some in Corinth were arguing the latter. They were saying, “‘It is good’ not to have sexual relations” (1).
Paul then responds in 7:2 with a refrain that runs through this chapter: “let each person remain in that condition in which they were called” (2, 8, 10, 11, 12-16, 26-27, 37, 40). Paul seems to be replying, “well, okay so it is good not to marry, but since there is so much immorality we must forbid asceticism within marriage” (2-4).
Questions to ponder/discuss:
- It is so easy to justify extreme behaviors. I think, for example, of priests that choose (or are forced to choose) to remain celibate so that they may focus more time on ministry. This is noble. At the same time, we must ask, does God really want me to be deprived of personal pleasure so that I can be more devoted to His work? Maybe. Maybe not. This is a difficult question. I remember the many times I thought of giving up golf for the sake of the kingdom: golf is expensive and it is time-consuming. Yet, I have found that golf is often an opportunity for me to get away. Sometimes I go to the practice green and listen to podcasts. Sometimes I’ll play a round with my kids. Looking back, I realize that I have done a fair amount of ministry on the golf course, the basketball court, and at the gym.
NB: I still struggle with this issue. But my point is that I don’t think God wants us to deprive ourselves of “fun” so that we can serve Him more. In fact, I think being refreshed and energized may be more profitable for our ministry.
- What might God be asking you to give up? Is it something that truly hinders your ability to serve Him more effectively? Is it something that hinders you from being a better spouse, parent, friend, student, or employee? Is there a way to redeem it?—that is, can you still partake of this and serve the Lord? (be careful here: we are really good at justifying things). Find others who can help you process this decision more faithfully.
Tuesday: Read 1 Cor 7:7-24
Paul now applies the principle, of “stay as you are,” to the issue of widows (8-9).[2] We suspect that some in Corinth were likely commanding such persons to never remarry. Paul concedes that it is good for them to remain unmarried (8). In fact, throughout this chapter, Paul seems to prefer singleness (7-8, 26, 40). At the same time, he refuses to legislate singleness. Paul, in fact, replies here that if they “do not” (some translations render it “cannot”) have self-control, “let them marry” (9).
Paul also provides us with an additional provision for divorce (15)—an unbelieving spouse that wants a divorce. Paul says that it is okay to let them leave. The first thing to note here is that the passage is actually focused on encouraging them to not divorce.
Also, when Paul says, “Not I, but the Lord” (10) he is referring to something that Jesus did not say during His earthly ministry (see Mark 10:1-12; Matt 5:31-32; 19:1-12). He is not saying, “this is not from the Lord, it is just my opinion,” as some have taken it to mean. Paul is simply saying that Jesus never addressed this, but I am.
First, Paul states that one should not divorce just because your spouse is not a Christian.
Note that it was far more likely in the early stages of the Church for there to be mixed marriages because the possibility is that one spouse believes and the other does not.[3]
Paul, then, adds that if the unbelieving spouse wants a divorce, allow them to leave (15).
Questions to ponder/discuss:
- It is really important that we are careful about reading everything that Paul says and treating it as an absolute. Paul will say, “yes, but” a number of times in these chapters. I suspect that Paul’s favoring of singleness is a concession to those in Corinth. In other words, I think Paul is being pastoral. That is, he may be saying, “well, okay, but keep this in mind.” If we draw theological conclusions or ethical rules based on the “okay” part, we might find ourselves in trouble. This doesn’t mean that we can play loose with the Scriptures. It just means we must be careful!
- Paul’s provision for divorce is that if an unbelieving spouse wants to divorce, then the believer should allow it. We might suppose that some “Christian” spouses were either thinking, “I am not allowed to divorce, therefore you can’t leave” or, “I need to save this marriage so I can be a witness to my spouse.” Paul’s answer is: allow them to leave.
- I personally believe that Paul would allow for a divorce if there is abuse. Now we must be careful because what constitutes “abuse” is not always clear. At the same time, if a spouse is being abused, or feels like they are, they should definitely get out of the situation immediately (which is often the problem because sometimes they have nowhere to go). If necessary, they may file for legal separation, and then a divorce. This, in fact, may be the most loving thing one can do. It is loving for others (such as the children who are impacted) and it is even loving toward the abuser. Perhaps, the abuser will now find help.
- Some suggest that they cannot file for divorce unless their abusing spouse is not a Christian and unless they agree that they want a divorce. I would argue that sending a spouse back into an abusive situation is not Christlike. The fact is that an abuser may say that they are a Christian and that they want to maintain the marriage, but their actions say otherwise (I am not saying they are not a Christian. I am only saying they are not acting like it. And the abused spouse has the right to seek a divorce). This view is widely held by scholars, but it is controversial among some churches.
Wednesday: Read 1 Cor 7:25-40
Paul’s opening “now concerning” (25) is an indication that he is changing the topic to address the next item in their letter (see 8:1; 12:1). Paul again appears to agree to what they have said, “I think then that this is good in view of the present distress, that it is good for a man to remain as he is” (26). Note that he then follows this with a, “but, at the same time!” Thus, Paul says, “But if you marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned” (28).
Paul appears to be speaking both to those who are single and those who are betrothed. They were being told by the leaders in Corinth[4] that they should not seek marriage. Paul responds that they may marry and that will not be not sinning if they do so (28).
The situation in 36-38 is likely a fiancée and his bride-to-be (as opposed to a father and daughter as most translations read). Again, Paul permits marriage (36, 38).
This chapter ends (39-40) with Paul’s agreement that widows may remarry (39). He does add the provision, “in the Lord” (39), which likely indicates that they should marry a fellow believer.
Questions to ponder/discuss:
- The application for us may be diverse. One on level we may again ask if we have things that hinder our devotion to the Lord. On another level, we may ask if we are making rules that hinder others from being free to serve the Lord as we please. This is especially problematic in today’s world as our youth are more and more progressive in their outlook. This may not be good, but if we do not respect them, then we may well run them away from Christ.
Thursday: Read 1 Cor 8:1-13
8:1-13 begins a long section in 1st Corinthians that relates to our treatment of one another. This section continues through the discussion on communion in 1 Cor 11:17-34. Again, we must discern between what they were saying (i.e., when was Paul quoting them) and what Paul says in response.
In 8:1, Paul begins a discussion on the issue of idolatry and the weaker brother/sister. The question here is, “can one eat meat that was sacrificed to an idol and then sold in the marketplace?”[5] Such meat was often of the best quality—people usually sacrifice their best to the gods. And this meat was also inexpensive since many were uncertain if they should eat it. This means that the beast meat was sold at the lowest price. But can we eat it?
Paul’s answer distinguishes between what “knowledge” says and what “love” says (1-3). Knowledge, of course, says “yes.” After all, it is only meat (7-8). Paul also adds that the idol does not exist anyways (8:4; 10:19-20). Love, however, says that you may the meat as long as it does not cause a brother or sister to stumble: “Therefore, if food causes my brother to stumble, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause my brother to stumble” (13).
Questions to ponder/discuss:
- This is a classic passage for understanding how Christians should relate to one another (and even those outside the Church). It is also a passage that is largely ignored. The point here goes well beyond the common topic of whether or not Christians can drink alcohol. Our goal should be to encourage one another and to build one another up in love. At the same time, we must also be aware of judging others.
- Can you think of examples in which a person might surrender a right or privilege in order that another might not be led to stumble?
Friday: Read 1 Cor 9:1-18
At first glance, this passage seems out of place. What does this section have to do with the issues Paul has been addressing? Paul explains that he has not exercised his rights for the sake of the Gospel and the well-being of others!
Paul has not exercised his rights to eating and drinking (4). He has also decided not to have a wife (5).[6] Paul has also not exercised his right to be paid (6). This was huge for Paul. If he received “gifts,” then he would have been in the debt of those who gave them. That is simply how the Roman world worked. Thus, Paul refused to receive money as an apostle. This meant that Paul had to work to provide for his well-being. This, of course, only added to his workload.
In 9:19-23, we learn the driving motivation of Paul. He was simply not concerned with his own preferences or his rights, but with others and the Gospel.
This section, thus, fits well within the context as it adds to his long discussion of how we treat one another.
Questions to ponder/discuss:
- What might you sacrifice for the sake of others? Prayerfully, consider what it is that you need to be willing to let go of because it is causing others harm.
- For many churches, the question of music, the style of preaching, the order of worship, and a host of other things come to the foreground. Too many people in our churches are arguing for their preferences rather than considering others. I cringe when someone leaves a church service and says, “I didn’t get anything out of the service today.” Really? I thought it was about giving not getting!
- Of course, there is much to be said about the shallowness of much of our “worship” today that often aims to please people. (NB: ironically, older church members use this last line as a means of keeping things the way they are—which often serves to satisfy their own desires. And Jesus says, “ugh!”)
[1] This guide is meant to be done either as a group study over the course of 2 or 4 meetings (Day 1-5; 6-10; 11-15; 16-20) or as a private devotion over the course of 4 weeks (or a calendar month—5 lessons per week).
[2] Though there is some dispute here it is my opinion that Paul only has widows in mind. The two terms, “unmarried” and “widows” (8) probably refer to widowed men and widowed women. After all, if the first term meant “all unmarried persons,” then there would be no need for the second term. In addition, Paul addresses those who have never married in 7:25-38.
[3] We will come back to this topic in our study of 1st Peter.
[4] By “leaders” I mean the wealthy and powerful men in the city. We will be confronted with such people several more times in this letter.
[5] The context here is different from that of Revelation 2-3. In 1 Corinthians Paul is addressing eating such meat that was sold at the marketplace. In Rev 2:14, the context is eating such meat at the pagan festival: that is, can we go to the pagan feasts themselves?
[6] There are some traditions that Paul was divorced. Perhaps, his wife left him after he became a Christian. We must be careful though.
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In