The church of Corinth … became one of the largest and most important of the early churches.” Another classical historian, Donald Engels, writes: “Corinth was a logical place to establish a strong Christian church, for its numerous trade connections would assure the rapid propagation of the new religion, and quite soon it came to dominate the other churches of the province. Corinth also had an important Jewish community, and whenever Paul entered a new city, he would always begin preaching in the local synagogue.

the effect of Paul’s gospel mainly upon the urban poor, most writers emphasize the cross-section of social and ethnic mix whom Paul sought to win for the gospel

Key theme: God’s wisdom

Key verses: 1 Corinthians 2:6–8

I. GREETING—1:1–3

II. REPROOF: THE REPORT OF SIN IN THE CHURCH—1:4–6:20

A. Divisions in the church—1:4–4:21

B. Discipline in the church—5

C. Disputes in the courts—6:1–8

D. Defilement in the world—6:9–20

III. INSTRUCTION: THE REPLY TO THEIR QUESTIONS—7:1–16:12

A. Marriage—7

B. Food offered to idols—8–10

C. Church ordinances—11

D. Spiritual gifts—12:1–14:40

E. The Resurrection—15

F. The offering—16:1–12

IV. CONCLUSION—16:13–24

As you study 1 Corinthians 7, please keep in mind that Paul is replying to definite questions. He is not spelling out a complete “theology of marriage” in one chapter. It is necessary to consider as well what the rest of the Bible has to say about this important subject

Christians Married to Christians (1 Cor. 7:1–11)

Apparently one of the questions the church asked was, “Is celibacy [remaining unmarried] more spiritual than marriage?” Paul replied that it is good for a man or a woman to have the gift of celibacy, but the celibate state is not better than marriage, nor is it the best state for everybody. Dr. Kenneth Wuest translates Paul’s reply, “It is perfectly proper, honorable, morally befitting for a man to live in strict celibacy.”

First Corinthians 7:6 makes it clear that celibacy is permitted, but it is not commanded; and 1 Corinthians 7:7 informs us that not everybody has the gift of remaining celibate.

One purpose for marriage is “to avoid fornication.” First Corinthians 7:2 makes it clear that God does not approve either of polygamy or homosexual “marriages.” One man married to one woman has been God’s pattern from the first. However, the husband and wife must not abuse the privilege of sexual love that is a normal part of marriage. The wife’s body belongs to the husband, and the husband’s body to the wife; and each must be considerate of the other. Sexual love is a beautiful tool to build with, not a weapon to fight with. To refuse each other is to commit robbery (see 1 Thes. 4:6) and to invite Satan to tempt the partners to seek their satisfaction elsewhere.

Christians Married to Non-Christians (1 Cor. 7:12–24)

Some of the members of the Corinthian church were saved after they had been married, but their mates had not yet been converted. No doubt, some of these believers were having a difficult time at home; and they asked Paul, “Must we remain married to unsaved partners? Doesn’t our conversion alter things?”

Paul replied that they were to remain with their unconverted mates so long as their mates were willing to live with them. Salvation does not alter the marriage state; if anything, it ought to enhance the marriage relationship.