I Corinthians 7

• At that time, the disciples were in a period of great difficulty.

• I Corinthians 7:9 – Some try to misuse this verse to defend multiple marriages, but that is taking the verse out of context.

• I Corinthians 7:12-16 – If a person has an unbelieving spouse, they should stay with them. If the unbelieving spouse decides to leave, the Christian should let them go. In that case, Paul says that God calls them to peace and they are not required to fulfill marital obligations. This does not mean that the Christian spouse can now remarry, however.

• “Bondage” – Compare other uses of the same Greek word:

  • Acts 7:6

  • Romans 6:18-22

  • I Corinthians 9:19

  • Galatians 4:3

  • Titus 2:3

  • II Peter 2:19

  • I Corinthians 7:15

• I Corinthians 7:25-26 – See Revelation 14:4. Paul here is referring to male virgins.

• I Corinthians 7:35-37 – The translation here is somewhat difficult. Paul could be referring to a man protecting his own virginity. The NASB translation supplies added words to interpret this as a man protecting his virgin daughter, but that does not seem to match the context.

• I Corinthians 7:39-40 – Marriage is for life. Re-marriage is only approved by God after death of a spouse or for the innocent party in adultery. The phrase “only in the Lord” means “according to God’s law.” It is not saying the new mate must be a Christian.