Below are some preliminary questions to assist in the study of this passage. For a comprehensive study of the passage, download the Study Guide (PDF download).
Note: In verses 17-24 the apostle Paul departs from the subject of marriage and addresses a broader matter; namely, the question, “How is the Christian to relate to the society in which he lives?” In brief, the apostle’s answer is, “We must seek to practice a lifestyle that promotes peace.”
1. How does the apostle apply his counsel to those who were converted to Christ coming from a Jewish background? See 1 Corinthians 7:18 (printed below)
Was anyone circumcised when he was called? Let him not become “uncircumcised.” Was anyone uncircumcised when he was called? Let him not become circumcised. (1 Corinthians 7:18)
In verse 18 Paul writes, “Was anyone circumcised when he was called? Let him not become ‘uncircumcised’” (or, as the N.I.V. gives the translation, “Let him not conceal his circumcision.”) This is to say, if a man was converted to Christ as a Jew, he need not and must not create upheaval and turmoil by denouncing his Jewish heritage, culture, and identity.
2. How does the apostle apply his counsel to those who were converted to Christ coming from a Gentile background? See 1 Corinthians 7:19 (printed below)
Circumcision means nothing, and uncircumcision means nothing. What is important is keeping the commandments of God. (1 Corinthians 7:19)
In verse 18 the apostle wrote, “Was anyone uncircumcised when he was called? Let him not become circumcised.” If a man was converted to Christ as a Gentile, he need not and must not create upheaval and turmoil by denouncing his Gentile heritage and culture by assuming a Jewish identity. Paul explains that in the New Testament era the sacrament of circumcision has become non-essential, having been fulfilled in Christ’s death (note Colossians 2:11-12) and being replaced by the New Testament sacrament of baptism. The basic principle being applied in verses 18-19, (and throughout this entire passage), is this: while we must never deny Christ or the Word of God for the sake of “peace” (note Acts 5:27-29), with regard to matters that are non-essential we are not to create unnecessary turmoil, we should seek to promote peace.
3. How does Paul apply his counsel to those who were converted to Christ while occupying the position of slaves in society? See 1 Corinthians 7:20-22a (printed below)
Let each one remain in the same status he had at the time he was called to faith in Christ. (21) Were you a slave when you were called? Do not let it concern you—(but if you are able to become free, take advantage of the opportunity)—(22) for he who was a slave when he was called by the Lord is the Lord’s freedman. (1 Corinthians 7:20-22a)
Writing to those who were converted to Christ while in a state of slavery, the apostle says, “Do not let it concern you.” In other words, do not become preoccupied with your present position in society (or lack of position); do not allow the situation to embitter you or cause you to wallow in self-pity. Do not allow the situation in which you find yourself to overshadow your relation to Christ or hinder your service to Christ. Transcend your present social situation and lack of position by appreciating the truth, “he who was a slave when he was called by the Lord is the Lord’s freedman.” “But,” the apostle goes on to write, “if you are able to become free, take advantage of the opportunity.” Although a Christian slave was not to become pre-occupied with his social condition, and so resort to violence or succumb to self-pity; neither was he to become stoically indifferent and completely detached from this present world: if he could legitimately secure his freedom he was permitted and even encouraged to do so. The basic principle that is being applied here is this: as Christians, we must not be a source of social upheaval and disruption for our own personal benefit and advancement. But this does not mean that we should refrain from addressing, and when possible correcting, the social evils and injustices of our society (note Zecharaiah 8:16 and Proverbs 31:8-9).
4. How does he apply his counsel to those who were converted to Christ while enjoying the status of free men in the society? See 1 Corinthians 7:22b-24 (printed below)
Likewise, the one who was free when he was called is Christ’s slave. (23) You were purchased with a price; do not become slaves of men. (24) Brothers, let each one remain with God in the status he had when he was called to faith in Christ. (1 Corinthians 7:22b-24)
Addressing those who were converted to Christ as free men, the apostle reminds them that they have been purchased with Christ’s blood to belong to Him as His bond servants (note 1 Corinthians 6:19b-20). He urges them not to become “slaves of men”—we are not to conduct our lives or conceal or compromise our Christian faith out of a slavish fear of men or in an effort to gain their approval (note John 12:42-43 as a negative example not to be imitated).
5. In verses 25-31, when he addresses those in the Corinthian church who were engaged to be married, the apostle counsels that the best course for them at the present time would be to remain single if possible. Why does he give the engaged couples in the Corinthian church this counsel? See 1 Corinthians 7:26 (printed below) What do you think Paul is describing in verses 29-31 (printed below?)
I think that, because of the impending distress, it is good for a man to remain as he is. (1 Corinthians 7:26)
Now I tell you this, brothers, the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they had none; (30) and those who mourn, as if they were not mourning; and those who rejoice, as if they were not rejoicing; and those who purchase something, as if it were not their possession; (31) and those who use the things of the world, as not being engrossed in them—for this world in its present form is passing away. (1 Corinthians 7:29-31)
Paul recommends this course to them at that particular time “because of the impending distress.” From the language the apostle Paul employs, it seems that he is speaking about the last great tribulation. But if so, how are we to understand this passage? Throughout the course of this present New Testament era there are certain times that may be defined as “peak moments” when Christ’s return is especially imminent. That is to say, there are certain moments in history when the social, historical and religious events of the world are aligned in such a configuration as to make the return of Christ a potentially imminent occurrence. (See the commentary in the section of this lesson entitled, “Studying the Passage,” for a further discussion of this subject.) In verses 25-31 the apostle is writing and counseling the Corinthian church from the unique perspective of the time in which they lived: the world situation made the return of Christ an imminent possibility. In such a time of heightened spiritual crisis, when the conditions are especially “aligned” so as to make Christ’s return an imminent possibility, it is appropriate for the church to live a life that is detached from the world as described in verses 29-31a. But it is always appropriate for the Christian to remember the fleeting, transitory nature of this present world and live in the light of eternity.
