7:25 |
Now concerning virgins |
- introduces a new topic. Cf. 7:1; 8:1;
12:1.
- probably refers to "young betrothed
women" (Fee, 1 Cor., 327)
|
no command of the Lord,
but. . .an opinion |
- compare 7:12 but contrast 7:10, which
invokes Jesus' teaching (cf. Mt 5:32; 19:1-9). Jesus did not
address the topic Paul now takes up.
- Were the Corinthians seeking to impose
a no-marriage rule on engaged members? If so, Paul's counter
shifts the terms of the discussion from strict law code to trustworthy
counsel.
|
|
7:26 |
because of the present distress (or:
necessity) |
- this is Paul's reason for recommending
celibacy
- what is this "distress"?
- crises and trials that immediately
precede the Lord's return? (cf. Luke 21:23)
- the ongoing plight of the suffering
church throughout this age?
- the urgent need to proclaim
the gospel?
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|
good to remain as he is |
- not legislation but counsel: stay as
you are, whether single or married (as long as you have the gift!
7:7)
- for this stay put theme, see
7:17, 20, 24 (cf. 7:8, 10-12)
|
|
7:28 |
if you should marry, you have not sinned |
- Paul is clearly not crafting legal
code but offering pastoral counsel.
- does Paul view singleness as morally/spiritually
superior to marriage?
|
|
such ones will have trials in the flesh |
- what marriage-related trials are in
view? (child-bearing? family? any distractions from the cause
of Christian mission?)
- does this suggest that Paul had once
been married but was no longer?
|
|
7:29 |
the time has been shortened (reduced,
limited, compressed) |
- did Paul think the Parousia would occur
during his lifetime?
- has God reduced the time before the
end (cf. Mk 13:20; Mt 24:22)?
- how does an eschatological perspective
shape our view of the present?
|
|
those who have wives shoud be as though
they had none |
- obviously rhetorical (compare vv.33,
34b), but what does it mean?
- clearly not a rejection of marital
sex (cf. 7:3-6)
- how might Christian couples avoid idolizing
their relationship?
|
7:30
7:31a |
those who weep. . .
those who rejoice. . .
those who buy. . .
those who use the world. . . |
- earthly sorrows, joys and possessions
must not control us or be our focus (cf. 2 Cor 6:10)
- does this support physical separation
from the world (in a commune)?
|
|
7:31b |
the form of this world is passing away |
- the world in its present form stands
under judgment
- note the already-not yet tension
|
|
7:32 7:33 7:34 |
the things of the Lord
the things of the world
holy both in body and spirit |
- is Paul anti-marriage? Is it wrong
for a husband to want to please his wife?
- is there warrant for vows of celibacy
here?
|
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7:35 |
not to put a restraint on you
undistracted devotion to the Lord |
- another indication that Paul is not
drafting legislation but offering counsel
- would celibacy distract some and free
up others?
|