Friday, February 6, 2026
Feast of Saint Paul Miki and Companions, Martyrs
My sisters and brothers in the Lord,
In this sixth presentation, we move on to Chapter 7 of 1 Corinthians. We will begin to look at some questions posed to Saint Paul.
Talk #6: Questions from Corinth (1 Corinthians, Chapter 7)
“Now in regard to the matters about which you wrote…” This begins a new section of the Letter to the Corinthians in which Paul answers questions about Marriage (Chapter 7), Idol Worship (Chapters 8 to 10), Liturgical Matters (Chapter 11), Spiritual Gifts (Chapters 12 to 14), and the Resurrection (Chapter 15). These are all areas of concern which may affect many of us and so we often turn to these chapters for instruction as to how we should behave. Let us look at each of these matters.
Today we will examine chapter seven on marriage.
No doubt questions arose among the Corinthian Church regarding how much should change in their lives now that they had become Christians. Some must have thought, as verse one states, that it is “a good thing for a man not to touch a woman.” Paul will have none of this. Christianity values both body and soul and most men and woman are called to marriage. What is fascinating is that in this section Paul speaks of the obligations of both men and women in a culture which basically ignored the woman. Paul is being quite revolutionary here, but that is Christianity for you. Marriage is always to be seen as a partnership of equals.
Then, even as an ascetical action, when a couple decides to refrain from sexual relations, Paul recommends moderation and that the couple should return to sexual relations after such a brief pause.
Notice then in verses seven and eight Paul speaks of “to be as I am” and “as I do.” Some have wondered if this means that Paul was a celibate or, possibly, that he was a widower. Paul gives no clear clues on this matter except what we find here.
The next theme for the married is that they should remain where they find themselves. He will delve into this principle when he speaks later of being circumcised or not, of being a slave or not. The overarching point which Paul wants to make is that God called you in whatever social situation you were in. Changing that situation is not nearly as important as simply being in Christ. Now Paul is clear that divorce by a Christian is not acceptable. Certainly, in that Greco-Roman culture, divorce and remarriage were common, even as it is today. Still, even if that Christian is married to a non-Christian, the Christian cannot seek divorce. Who knows, the Christian party may actually have a positive effect on the non-Christian spouse. Besides that, their children, by belonging to the Christian spouse, are already sharing in his or her holiness. Again, both men and women are called to the same behavior by Paul.
In verse 25, Paul turns to what our text calls “virgins.” Since that term is often understood only to refer to women, it might be better to translate the word, ton parthenon, as “unmarried.” One might think that the principle of “remain as you are” would apply, and it does seem that Paul favors that, but he is clear that is just his opinion. Paul bases his judgment on trying to keep people free of anxiety or earthly distractions or being divided as we seek to live in Christ. Nonetheless, he does accept that marriage is always a possibility, especially as Paul said earlier in this chapter “so that Satan may not tempt you through your lack of self-control” (v. 5) and that “it is better to marry than to be on fire” (v. 9). Passion is a good thing and usually the best outlet for that is marriage. Now, in Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians (5:22-33) we will see a very beautiful portrait of marriage. Here, Paul is merely answering questions
Until next week, may God bless you.
+ Earl Boyea
Bishop of Lansing
P.S. Here is a video version of this week's talk. Please do share with friends and family. Thank you.