What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 7:28? But if you do marry, – Paul has just encouraged singleness for those able to receive it (1 Corinthians 7:7-8, 26). Still, he immediately affirms that choosing marriage is fully legitimate. – Genesis 2:24 shows marriage originates with God; Matthew 19:4-6 records Jesus joining “what God has joined together.” – Hebrews 13:4 calls marriage “honorable among all.” – 1 Corinthians 7:2 balances the passage: “because of sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife.” Together these texts remind us that Scripture treats marriage as a gift, not a second-class option. you have not sinned. – In Paul’s day some were implying greater holiness came from abstaining (cf. 1 Timothy 4:1-3). Paul rejects that legalism: entering marriage is not, and never could be, sin. – Proverbs 18:22: “He who finds a wife finds a good thing.” – Colossians 2:20-23 warns against self-made religion that “appears wise” but lacks true value. The clear takeaway: believers need never feel guilty for accepting God’s provision of a spouse. And if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. – The statement widens the reassurance to an unmarried woman. Cultural pressures then, as now, could produce confusion; Paul clarifies that purity is preserved in honorable marriage (1 Corinthians 7:34). – Psalm 119:9 links purity with obedience to God’s word, not with marital status. – Mary herself is called a virgin (Luke 1:27) yet later entered marriage with Joseph—an emblem of righteousness both single and wed. Thus Scripture equally esteems men and women who choose marriage in the Lord (2 Corinthians 6:14). But those who marry will face troubles in this life, – Marriage introduces new earthly responsibilities: • Daily self-sacrifice (Ephesians 5:21-33) • Financial and household burdens (Proverbs 24:27; 1 Timothy 5:8) • Spiritual leadership and mutual sanctification (1 Peter 3:7) – Genesis 3:16-19 traces relational strain and toil to the fall; no couple is exempt. – Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 notes partnership’s value yet also implies effort to keep the cord “not quickly broken.” Paul’s realism guards us from idealizing marriage and forgetting the cross-bearing it requires (Luke 9:23). and I want to spare you this. – Verse 26 names “the present distress,” likely persecution and hardship the Corinthian believers were already meeting (Acts 18:12-17; 1 Thessalonians 3:3-4). Staying single could ease mobility, focus, and safety for gospel service (1 Corinthians 7:32-35). – Acts 14:22 records Paul teaching that “through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.” He lovingly seeks to reduce avoidable pressures while believers face unavoidable ones. – The counsel is pastoral, not prohibitive: Paul aims to spare, not to restrict (1 Corinthians 7:35). Flexibility for changing circumstances remains a mark of wisdom (James 1:5). summary 1 Corinthians 7:28 teaches that marriage is never sinful; it is a divine gift for both men and women. At the same time, marriage carries real, often heavy, earthly challenges—especially in seasons of distress or persecution. Paul encourages freedom: accept marriage joyfully if God leads, remain single confidently if He enables. In every case, believers honor the Lord by trusting His Word, embracing His design, and walking faithfully in the calling they have received (1 Corinthians 7:24). |
    |