What does "it is good for a man not to touch a woman" mean in 1 Corinthians 7:1? Canonical Context and Translation “Now for the matters you wrote about: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.” (1 Corinthians 7:1). Paul is replying to a letter from the Corinthian church. The clause “it is good” (καλόν) signals something commendable, not universally mandated. “To touch” renders the Greek verb ἅπτομαι, a euphemism in first-century koine for initiating sexual relations (cf. Genesis 20:6 LXX; Proverbs 6:29 LXX). Paul does not prohibit all physical contact; he addresses sexual intimacy outside God-ordained marriage. Historical and Cultural Setting of Corinth First-century Corinth blended Greek libertinism with ascetic strands of Stoicism. Some believers, recoiling from the city’s promiscuity (cf. 1 Corinthians 6:9-20), concluded that complete sexual abstinence—even within marriage—was spiritually superior. Their slogan, likely quoted by Paul, prompted pastoral clarification. Possible Corinthian Slogan and Paul’s Response The phrase likely quotes the Corinthians (“you say”), as in 6:12, 13. Paul partially affirms singleness but immediately balances it: “But because there is so much sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman her own husband” (7:2). He moves from the ideal of undistracted devotion (7:32-35) to the pragmatic remedy for porneia in a fallen world. Paul’s Broader Theology of Marriage and Celibacy • Marriage instituted at creation (Genesis 2:24). • Sexual intimacy honored (Hebrews 13:4). • Celibacy a charism (1 Corinthians 7:7), never a universal norm. • Both states serve gospel mission: marriage models Christ-Church union (Ephesians 5:31-32); singleness frees for undivided service (1 Corinthians 7:32-34). Protection Against Immorality and the Gift of Singleness Verses 2-5 command marital conjugal rights, countering ascetic extremes. Abstinence is permissible only by mutual consent, brief, and coupled with prayer, lest Satan tempt (7:5). Those gifted with continence (7:7-9) may remain unmarried, but Paul warns the “burning” to marry. Old Testament Foundations The creational “one flesh” (Genesis 2:24) affirms sexual union as good. Proverbs extols marital delight (Proverbs 5:18-19). Song of Songs celebrates covenant love. These texts disallow any notion that physical intimacy is intrinsically unspiritual. Christological Implications and the Eschatological Horizon Jesus validates celibacy “for the sake of the kingdom” (Matthew 19:12) while attending a wedding in Cana (John 2:1-11). Paul frames both marriage and singleness within “the present form of this world passing away” (1 Corinthians 7:31). Believers live between inaugurated and consummated kingdoms, stewarding sexuality in anticipation of the resurrection (1 Corinthians 6:14). Pastoral and Practical Applications Today 1. Singleness is honorable; the church must affirm and support it. 2. Marriage remains God’s ordinary provision for sexual expression. 3. Periodic, mutually agreed abstinence may enrich prayer life but must end promptly. 4. Purity outside marriage flows from regeneration and Spirit empowerment (Galatians 5:16). 5. Counseling couples who refuse intimacy requires restoring a biblical view of the body—“your bodies are members of Christ” (1 Corinthians 6:15). Common Misunderstandings Addressed • “Paul despised marriage.” False; he upholds it (Ephesians 5). • “Touch” bans all affectionate contact. False; context limits the term to sexual acts. • “Celibacy is holier.” False; holiness is wrought by Christ, not marital status. Conclusion: Harmonizing Celibacy, Marriage, and Holiness “It is good for a man not to touch a woman” commends voluntary, Spirit-enabled abstinence for those gifted to remain single. It is descriptive, not prescriptive for all. Paul immediately safeguards marriage, authorizing sexual union as the God-ordained context for physical intimacy. Properly understood, the verse exalts both celibate service and marital fidelity as avenues to glorify God in the body until the resurrection consummates all in Christ. |
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