What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 7:29? What I am saying, brothers • Paul opens with family language, reminding the church that these words come with pastoral affection (see 1 Corinthians 4:14–15). • By prefacing the command with “What I am saying,” he underlines that this is not a passing remark but a Spirit-given directive (cf. 1 Thessalonians 4:15). is that the time is short • Scripture consistently describes our remaining window of ministry as brief: “The night is nearly over; the day has drawn near” (Romans 13:11–12); “The end of all things is near” (1 Peter 4:7). • Life itself is fleeting—“You are a mist that appears for a little while” (James 4:14). • Because Jesus could return at any moment (Matthew 24:44), every choice carries eternal weight. From now on • The phrase signals an immediate, ongoing mindset—not an ideal for someday, but a priority that begins “today” (Hebrews 3:13). • It calls believers to rearrange schedules, goals, and relationships in light of Christ’s imminent return (Luke 19:13). those who have wives • Marriage is good, God-given, and to be honored (Ephesians 5:31–33). • Yet even sacred duties must be placed beneath devotion to the Lord (Matthew 10:37). • Paul is addressing people already married—affirming that commitments remain, but priorities shift. should live as if they had none • Not a license to neglect or abandon a spouse (contradicted by 1 Corinthians 7:3–5), but a call to hold marriage with an open hand. • Practical outworking: – Kingdom assignments outrank personal comfort or domestic routines (Luke 14:26). – Decisions—career, finances, use of time—are filtered first through Christ’s mission (Colossians 3:23–24). – Couples encourage one another to radical obedience, even when it disrupts normal expectations (Acts 18:24–26). • The ultimate loyalty belongs to Jesus, not to earthly status symbols or relationships (1 John 2:17). summary Paul’s message is urgent: the clock on this age is ticking down. Because eternity is close at hand, even cherished gifts like marriage must not eclipse wholehearted service to Christ. Believers—single or married—are to live with loosened grips on temporal ties, ready to obey God’s call at a moment’s notice, confident that devotion to the Lord is never wasted. |
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