1 Corinthians 7:1
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Corinthians 7:1
1 Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 7 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of judgment, love, prayer. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 55 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The church existed in a prosperous, cosmopolitan, morally permissive Roman colony.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-40: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 Corinthians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 Corinthians 7:1
1 Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.
Analysis
Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me—Paul transitions to answer specific questions from the Corinthian church, likely submitted in a letter. The phrase It is good for a man not to touch a woman uses haptō (ἅπτω), a euphemism for sexual relations. This may be quoting the Corinthians' own ascetic slogan, which Paul will qualify rather than endorse absolutely.
The Corinthian church struggled with two extremes: libertinism (chapters 5-6) and asceticism. Some believers, influenced by Greek dualism viewing the body as evil, advocated complete sexual abstinence even in marriage. Paul's response balances the goodness of singleness for ministry with the goodness of marriage as God's provision against sexual immorality.
The term kalón (καλόν, "good") suggests "advantageous" or "beneficial" rather than morally superior. Paul will develop this pragmatic approach throughout the chapter, emphasizing that both singleness and marriage are legitimate callings, each with distinct opportunities for serving Christ with aperispastos (undivided devotion, v. 35).
Historical Context
Written around 55 AD from Ephesus during Paul's third missionary journey, this letter responds to reports of division and a written inquiry from Corinth. The Greco-Roman world practiced various sexual ethics—from temple prostitution to Stoic asceticism. Some Corinthian believers, possibly influenced by proto-Gnostic thought, elevated celibacy as spiritually superior, creating marital conflicts.
Reflection
- How does Paul's "good" differ from "morally superior"—what implications does this have for viewing singleness and marriage?
- In what ways might contemporary Christianity fall into either extreme libertinism or asceticism regarding sexuality?
- How can the church honor both callings (single and married) as equally valid paths for devoted service to Christ?
Cross-References
- Good: 1 Corinthians 7:8
- Parallel theme: Genesis 20:6