Bullet Point Bible - 1 Corinthians 7

Principles for the Married

¹ Now with regard to the issues you wrote about: "It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman."² But because of immoralities, each man should have relations with his own wife and each woman with her own husband.³ A husband should fulfill his marital responsibility to his wife, and likewise a wife to her husband.⁴ It is not the wife who has the rights to her own body, but the husband. In the same way, it is not the husband who has the rights to his own body, but the wife.⁵ Do not deprive each other, except by mutual agreement for a specified time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then resume your relationship, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.⁶ I say this as a concession, not as a command.⁷ I wish that everyone was as I am. But each has his own gift from God, one this way, another that.

Paul directly addresses a question or slogan from the Corinthian church (1 Corinthians 7:1).
The phrase "It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman" might reflect an ascetic tendency within the Corinthian church, possibly influenced by Greek philosophy.
Paul affirms marriage as the proper context for sexual relations to prevent "immoralities" (porneia), prevalent in Corinth.
He emphasizes the mutuality of sexual obligation within marriage; both spouses have rights and authority over the other's body (1 Corinthians 7:3-4). This was counter-cultural in a patriarchal society.
Temporary abstinence from sexual relations is permissible only by mutual agreement and for a specific spiritual purpose (prayer), highlighting the importance of the sexual bond in marriage (1 Corinthians 7:5).
Paul clarifies his counsel in verse 6 is a "concession" (allowing marriage) rather than a command (demanding celibacy).
Paul expresses his personal preference for celibacy ("as I am"), but acknowledges it as a specific "gift" (charisma) from God, not universally given (1 Corinthians 7:7).
This section establishes that while celibacy is good, marriage is also good and necessary for many to avoid sexual sin.

Advice to the Unmarried and Widows

⁸ To the unmarried and widows I say that it is best for them to remain as I am.⁹ But if they do not have self-control, let them get married. For it is better to marry than to burn with sexual desire.

Paul extends his preference for singleness to the unmarried and widows, aligning with his own state (1 Corinthians 7:8).
The "good" of remaining single relates to the potential for undistracted devotion to God (as explained later in the chapter).
He provides a practical exception: if individuals lack the "gift" of self-control regarding sexual desire, marriage is the recommended course (1 Corinthians 7:9).
"Burn with passion" refers to the consuming nature of unfulfilled sexual desire that could lead to sin.
This advice balances the ideal (undistracted service in singleness) with the reality of human nature and the dangers of sexual temptation.
Singleness and marriage are both presented as valid paths, depending on individual gifting and self-control.

Instructions on Divorce for Believers

¹⁰ To the married I give this command-not I, but the Lord -a wife should not divorce a husband¹¹ (but if she does, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband), and a husband should not divorce his wife.

Paul shifts from personal advice to a direct command "from the Lord" regarding divorce between believers (1 Corinthians 7:10). This likely refers to Jesus' teachings (cf. Mark 10:2-12; Matthew 19:3-9).
The command prohibits believers from initiating divorce or separation.
A wife is explicitly told not to separate from her husband.
If separation does occur against this command, the options are limited: remain unmarried or seek reconciliation (1 Corinthians 7:11a). Remarriage after such a separation is implicitly forbidden here.
The command is then applied equally to the husband: he should not divorce his wife (1 Corinthians 7:11b).
This section strongly upholds the permanence of the marriage bond between two Christians.
The focus is on preserving the marriage covenant established before God.

Instructions for Believers Married to Unbelievers

¹² To the rest I say-I, not the Lord -if a brother has a wife who is not a believer and she is happy to live with him, he should not divorce her.¹³ And if a woman has a husband who is not a believer and he is happy to live with her, she should not divorce him.¹⁴ For the unbelieving husband is sanctified because of the wife, and the unbelieving wife because of her husband. Otherwise your children are unclean, but now they are holy.¹⁵ But if the unbeliever wants a divorce, let it take place. In these circumstances the brother or sister is not bound. God has called you in peace.¹⁶ For how do you know, wife, whether you will bring your husband to salvation? Or how do you know, husband, whether you will bring your wife to salvation?

Paul addresses situations not directly covered by Jesus' earthly ministry: marriages where one spouse becomes a believer after marrying. Here, Paul gives his apostolic judgment ("I, not the Lord").
A believer should not initiate divorce simply because their spouse is an unbeliever, provided the unbeliever consents to continue the marriage (1 Corinthians 7:12-13).
The concept of "sanctification" (1 Corinthians 7:14) here doesn't mean the unbeliever is saved, but that the marriage relationship and resulting children are considered legitimate and set apart in God's eyes because of the believer's presence.
The children are considered "holy" (set apart), not "unclean," alleviating concerns about the spiritual status of children in mixed marriages.
If the unbelieving spouse chooses to dissolve the marriage ("wants to leave"), the believing spouse is "not bound" (1 Corinthians 7:15). This is often interpreted as freeing the believer to remarry, sometimes called the "Pauline privilege."
The ultimate goal is peace: "God has called you to live in peace" (1 Corinthians 7:15). Forcing an unwilling unbeliever to stay would contradict this.
Paul introduces a missional hope: the believer might be instrumental in the spouse's salvation (1 Corinthians 7:16), providing another reason to preserve the marriage if possible.

Living According to God's Calling

¹⁷ Nevertheless, as the Lord has assigned to each one, as God has called each person, so must he live. I give this sort of direction in all the churches.¹⁸ Was anyone called after he had been circumcised? He should not try to undo his circumcision. Was anyone called who is uncircumcised? He should not get circumcised.¹⁹ Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Instead, keeping God's commandments is what counts.²⁰ Let each one remain in that situation in life in which he was called.²¹ Were you called as a slave? Do not worry about it. But if indeed you are able to be free, make the most of the opportunity.²² For the one who was called in the Lord as a slave is the Lord's freedman. In the same way, the one who was called as a free person is Christ's slave.²³ You were bought with a price. Do not become slaves of men.²⁴ In whatever situation someone was called, brothers and sisters, let him remain in it with God.

Paul establishes a general principle: believers should generally remain in the social or circumstantial state they were in when God called them to faith (1 Corinthians 7:17, 20, 24).
This principle is illustrated with examples: Jewish/Gentile status (circumcision) and social status (slavery/freedom).
External markers like circumcision are declared irrelevant ("nothing") compared to obedience to God's commands (1 Corinthians 7:19). This counters Judaizing tendencies.
Regarding slavery, Paul advises contentment but allows for seeking freedom if the opportunity arises ("make the most of the opportunity") (1 Corinthians 7:21). This acknowledges the hardship of slavery without demanding social upheaval.
He reframes social status through a spiritual lens: a believing slave is spiritually free in Christ, and a free believer is willingly enslaved to Christ (1 Corinthians 7:22).
"You were bought with a price" (1 Corinthians 7:23) refers to Christ's redemptive work, establishing believers' ultimate allegiance and freedom from human mastery in a spiritual sense.
The core message is that one's relationship with God and service to Him transcends external circumstances. Believers should focus on living faithfully "with God" in whatever situation they find themselves.

Advice Concerning the Unmarried

²⁵ With regard to the question about people who have never married, I have no command from the Lord, but I give my opinion as one shown mercy by the Lord to be trustworthy.²⁶ Because of the impending crisis I think it best for you to remain as you are.²⁷ The one bound to a wife should not seek divorce. The one released from a wife should not seek marriage.²⁸ But if you marry, you have not sinned. And if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. But those who marry will face difficult circumstances, and I am trying to spare you such problems.²⁹ And I say this, brothers and sisters: The time is short. So then those who have wives should be as those who have none,³⁰ those with tears like those not weeping, those who rejoice like those not rejoicing, those who buy like those without possessions,³¹ those who use the world as though they were not using it to the full. For the present shape of this world is passing away.³² And I want you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the things of the Lord, how to please the Lord.³³ But a married man is concerned about the things of the world, how to please his wife,³⁴ and he is divided. An unmarried woman or a virgin is concerned about the things of the Lord, to be holy both in body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the things of the world, how to please her husband.³⁵ I am saying this for your benefit, not to place a limitation on you, but so that without distraction you may give notable and constant service to the Lord.

Paul addresses questions about "virgins" (parthenoi), likely referring primarily to unmarried women, but the principles apply broadly to the unmarried. He again offers his considered opinion, not a direct command from the Lord (1 Corinthians 7:25).
His advice is framed by "the present crisis" or "impending distress" (1 Corinthians 7:26), possibly referring to persecution, societal hardship, or an imminent expectation of Christ's return. This context favors remaining single.
He reiterates the principle of remaining in one's current state (married or single) (1 Corinthians 7:27).
Marriage is affirmed as not sinful, but Paul warns it brings "troubles in this life" (literally 'affliction in the flesh'), which he wishes to spare them (1 Corinthians 7:28).
The urgency of the times ("The time is short," "this world...is passing away") calls for a level of detachment from worldly affairs, even marriage (1 Corinthians 7:29-31). This doesn't mean neglecting marital duties but prioritizing eternal realities.
The core reason for favoring singleness is freedom from worldly "concerns" (anxieties, cares) and the ability to have "undivided devotion to the Lord" (1 Corinthians 7:32-35).
Married individuals inevitably have divided interests between pleasing their spouse and serving the Lord, while the unmarried can focus more fully on the Lord's work.
Paul's aim is not to forbid marriage but to highlight the practical spiritual advantages of singleness, especially given the circumstances.

Further Advice on Marriage Decisions

³⁶ If anyone thinks he is acting inappropriately toward his virgin, if she is past the bloom of youth and it seems necessary, he should do what he wishes; he does not sin. Let them marry.³⁷ But the man who is firm in his commitment, and is under no necessity but has control over his will, and has decided in his own mind to keep his own virgin, does well.³⁸ So then, the one who marries his own virgin does well, but the one who does not, does better.

This passage likely addresses a father or guardian deciding about his unmarried daughter ("his virgin"). Another interpretation suggests a man deciding about his fiancée.
If circumstances necessitate marriage (e.g., the daughter's strong desire, social pressure, "past the bloom of youth"), allowing her to marry is permissible and not sinful (1 Corinthians 7:36). "Let them marry" refers to the daughter and her potential husband.
However, if the father/guardian (and presumably the daughter is willing) decides against marriage, having weighed the situation and being under no necessity, this choice is commended as "doing well" (1 Corinthians 7:37).
Paul summarizes: marrying is "well," but not marrying (remaining single for the Lord's service) is "better" (1 Corinthians 7:38).
This reinforces the chapter's theme: marriage is good and permissible, but singleness offers advantages for focused devotion to God, making it "better" in Paul's view, particularly in light of the "present crisis."
The decision involves considering the individuals involved, their desires, self-control, and the call to serve God.

Advice to Widows

³⁹ A wife is bound as long as her husband is living. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes (only someone in the Lord).⁴⁰ But in my opinion, she will be happier if she remains as she is-and I think that I too have the Spirit of God!

Paul concludes the chapter by addressing widows specifically.
A woman is bound by the marriage covenant until her husband's death (1 Corinthians 7:39a). This reaffirms the lifelong nature of marriage.
Upon her husband's death, a widow is free to remarry whomever she chooses, with one crucial condition: "only in the Lord" (1 Corinthians 7:39b). This means she must marry a fellow believer.
Consistent with his earlier advice, Paul expresses his opinion that a widow would be "happier" (or blessed) remaining single (1 Corinthians 7:40a).
He subtly asserts the authority of his counsel by stating, "I think that I too have the Spirit of God" (1 Corinthians 7:40b), implying his opinion is Spirit-guided wisdom.
This final section reinforces key themes: the binding nature of marriage, the freedom (with limits) after a spouse's death, the requirement for believers to marry believers, and the commended state of singleness for devotion to God.

The Bullet Point Bible

1 Corinthians 7