What does 1 Corinthians 7:38 imply about the value of marriage versus singleness? Text “So then, he who marries his betrothed does well, but he who does not marry her does better.” — 1 Corinthians 7:38 Immediate Literary Context Paul is answering Corinthian believers who wrote asking whether marriage is advisable in light of “the present distress” (7:26). Verses 25–40 form one continuous argument about virgins (unmarried daughters) and those engaged. Verse 38 is Paul’s summary: marriage is genuinely “well,” yet remaining single can be “better” given certain circumstances. Historical–Cultural Background 1. First-century Corinth faced social upheaval, famine (cf. Acts 11:28), and localized persecution. “The present distress” likely refers to these external pressures. 2. Marriage carried obligations of household management, child-rearing, and civic responsibilities that could hinder mobility for gospel work in times of crisis. 3. Roman law allowed a father to marry off a daughter at puberty; some Corinthian fathers evidently hesitated because of the turmoil. Paul’s counsel respects their authority (7:36-38) yet guards the daughter’s conscience and liberty. Theological Framework: Creation & Redemption 1. Marriage originates pre-Fall (Genesis 2:18-24). It is intrinsically good, picturing Christ and the Church (Ephesians 5:31-32). 2. Singleness after Pentecost is a redemptive-historical gift enabling undistracted service in the present age (1 Corinthians 7:7). It foreshadows the resurrection state where “they neither marry nor are given in marriage” (Matthew 22:30). 3. Both states glorify God when embraced as a calling (κλῆσις, 7:20). Comparative Scripture Synthesis • GOODNESS OF MARRIAGE: Proverbs 18:22; Hebrews 13:4; 1 Timothy 5:14. • EXCELLENCE OF SINGLENESS FOR MINISTRY: Matthew 19:12 (“for the sake of the kingdom”); 1 Corinthians 7:32-35; Acts 13:2-3 (Paul & Barnabas set apart). • BALANCE: Neither state is mandated; each believer discerns God’s gifting (7:7, 17). Apostolic Example Jesus and Paul modeled consecrated singleness; Peter (Cephas) and most apostles were married (1 Corinthians 9:5). Scripture therefore canonizes both paths without contradiction, demonstrating complementarity rather than competition. Pastoral Application • Evaluate present circumstances (economic, political, missionary opportunities). • Recognize gifting: continence is a charisma, not self-imposed asceticism (7:5). • Guard against devaluing marriage; Paul’s “better” is context-limited, not an absolute hierarchy. • Encourage singles: their state is not a deficiency but a strategic asset for kingdom labor. • Encourage spouses: their covenant mirrors Christ’s fidelity and nurtures godly offspring (Malachi 2:15). Harmonization With The Whole Counsel Of God Scripture never pits God-ordained institutions against one another. Creation testimony and apostolic instruction cohere: marriage and singleness are twin avenues for fulfilling the chief end of man—to glorify God and enjoy Him forever (cf. Westminster Shorter Catechism Q1). The guidance of 1 Corinthians 7:38 is situational wisdom rooted in eternal truth. Conclusion 1 Corinthians 7:38 teaches that marriage retains full honor (“does well”), yet singleness, for those so gifted and in times of distress or mission urgency, may offer superior advantages for undivided devotion to the Lord (“does better”). Both vocations, embraced in faith, equally fulfill God’s design and advance His kingdom. |
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