What does "he who marries his virgin does well" imply about marriage? The Context of 1 Corinthians 7 • Paul addresses believers facing “the present distress,” encouraging spiritual focus amid persecution and shortage (7:26). • He affirms both singleness and marriage as honorable choices, each guided by conscience and calling. • “He who marries the virgin” refers to a man proceeding with marriage to a woman who has remained chaste, whether already betrothed or under her father’s care. What “Does Well” Communicates • “Does well” signals divine approval. Marriage entered in purity aligns with God’s will. • The wording carries moral weight: choosing marriage is good, beneficial, and commendable—not a concession or second-class decision. • The comparative “does better” in the second half simply highlights the unique usefulness of singleness for undivided service (7:32-35); it does not diminish the goodness of marriage. Marriage as God’s Good Design • Genesis 2:18: “The LORD God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make for him a suitable helper.’” • Proverbs 18:22: “He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD.” • Marriage reflects complementarity, companionship, and stewardship of creation (“be fruitful and multiply,” Genesis 1:28). • Ephesians 5:31-32 shows marriage picturing Christ’s union with the church, elevating the covenant to gospel proclamation. Safeguarding Purity and Honoring the Covenant • 1 Corinthians 7:2: “Because there is so much sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman her own husband.” • Hebrews 13:4 calls marriage honorable and the marriage bed undefiled, underscoring its role in channeling God-given sexuality. • “His virgin” highlights premarital chastity, echoing 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4 regarding sanctification and self-control. • Entering marriage from purity strengthens trust, honors God, and provides a secure foundation for family life. Complementary Callings: Marriage and Singleness • Paul esteems singleness for focused ministry but never portrays it as spiritually superior in essence. • Scripture presents two parallel callings: – Singleness, empowered for undivided devotion (1 Corinthians 7:32-35). – Marriage, empowered for covenant love, fruitfulness, and gospel witness (Malachi 2:15; Ephesians 5:25-28). • God assigns gifts differently (1 Corinthians 7:7); obedience, not status, determines faithfulness. Application for Today • A believer choosing marriage “does well” when the relationship upholds biblical purity, covenant commitment, and Christ-centered purpose. • Marriage remains a divinely favored path for companionship, sanctification, and raising godly offspring, in no way inferior to singleness. • The verse invites confidence: pursuing marriage within God’s boundaries carries His blessing and affirms His original design. |
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