1 Coríntios 7

1 Coríntios 7

MacDonald - Paul now begins advice to the unmarried. It is clear, first of all, that he considered the unmarried state preferable, but he recognized that it could be followed only as God enabled. When he says: “For I wish that all men were even as I myself,” it is obvious from the context that he means “unmarried.” There is much diversity of opinion as to whether Paul had always been a bachelor, or whether he was a widower at the time he wrote this. However, for present purposes, it is not necessary to settle the debate, even if we could. Where Paul says: “But each one has his own gift from God, one in this manner, and another in that,” he means that God gives grace to some to remain unmarried whereas He definitely calls others to the married state. It is an individual matter, and no general legislation can be adopted which can be applicable to all. Believer's Study Bible - Celibacy is the ability of an individual to live without conjugal relationships. Genesis 2:18 indicates that God's plan in the beginning was for man to have a helper suitable to him, a counterpart and companion with whom to share life and responsibility. With sin's entry, however, the paradise God designed for man was thwarted and distorted, bringing many changes, even in that most intimate human relationship. Among the spiritual gifts is the gift of celibacy, which Paul himself possessed. This gift enabled him to live the single life with contentment (cf. Phil. 4:11) and usefulness (cf. 1 Cor 7:33, 34). Often, as in the case of Paul himself, there is a need for men and women to give themselves completely in service for the "things of the Lord" (cf. 1 Cor 7:32). In any case, celibacy is an exception and not the norm. It is bestowed by God to individuals for varying periods of times and for a myriad of reasons. The Greek word used to describe celibacy in this verse is charisma, the same word translated elsewhere as "spiritual gift." Celibacy, therefore, may be regarded as a spiritual gift. Gift (5486) charisma from charis = grace + the ending --ma which indicates the result of something, in this case the result of grace, "the subjective grace that works within and shows itself in its result" [Wuest]) is a Pauline word (with exception of 1 Peter 4:10+) which literally means a gift of grace or a free gift. Considering that the root is charis (grace) the favor or gift which one receives is without any merit of one's own. Stated another way, whatever spiritual gift a man has comes from God, and should be no cause for personal pride or praise. It is something given to a man by God which the man himself could not have acquired or attained. Thayer writes that charisma "in the technical Pauline sense of extraordinary powers distinguishing certain Christians and enabling them to serve the church of Christ, the reception of which is due to the power of divine grace operating in their souls by the Holy Spirit." Notice also (and it is not surprising) that sixteen of the seventeen New Testament uses of charisma are connected to God as the Giver of the free gift. Specifically Paul explains (esp in 1 Cor 12:4, 6, 7, 11) that charisma is a special spiritual gift (or ability) bestowed by the Holy Spirit according to His will for the profit of the body of Christ and the work of the ministry in turn to enable believers to fulfill certain assigned functions in the body. Charisma - 17x in 17v in the NT - Rom. 1:11; Rom. 5:15; Rom. 5:16; Rom. 6:23; Rom. 11:29; Rom. 12:6; 1 Co. 1:7; 1 Co. 7:7; 1 Co. 12:4; 1 Co. 12:9; 1 Co. 12:28; 1 Co. 12:30; 1 Co. 12:31; 2 Co. 1:11; 1 Tim. 4:14; 2 Tim. 1:6; 1 Pet. 4:10 Related Resource: Click here for summary of spiritual gifts See story of John Berridge's Singleness below Question: Does the Bible teach that there is a gift of celibacy? Answer: Two passages in the New Testament are typically used to discuss what is sometimes called “the gift of celibacy.” The first is Matthew 19:9–12, “‘I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, and marries another woman commits adultery.’ The disciples said to him, ‘If this is the situation between a husband and wife, it is better not to marry.’ Jesus replied, ‘Not everyone can accept this word, but only those to whom it has been given. For some are eunuchs because they were born that way; others were made that way by men; and others have renounced marriage because of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it.’” The phrase only those to whom it has been given refers to people receiving what some call “the gift of celibacy” or “the gift of singleness.” Regardless of what we call the gift, Jesus teaches that most people do not naturally desire to remain single and celibate for a lifetime. Of the exceptions, two are physical, and one is ethical or religious: 1) some forego marriage due to their natural constitution—they are born with no desire to marry; 2) some do not marry because of some violent act perpetrated upon them by others; and 3) some, by the grace of God, have chosen to renounce marriage for the kingdom’s sake. Such celibates have received a special gift from God. The other pertinent passage is 1 Corinthians 7. In this chapter Paul states that it is not wrong to get married, but that it is better if a Christian can stay single. (The reason is that a married man’s attention is “divided” between pleasing the Lord and pleasing his wife; a single man is free to be more focused on the Lord’s work, verses 32-34.) Paul says, “I wish that all men were [unmarried] as I am. But each man has his own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that” (verse 7). Paul is careful to state that this is “a concession, not . . . a command” (verse 6). The ability to stay single and serve God apart from marriage is a gift. Paul and some others had this gift, but not everyone. As we see, the Bible does not explicitly call this “the gift of celibacy,” but it does express that the ability to remain unmarried to serve God more fully is a gift. Most adults desire marriage, and this desire is not sinful. In fact, marriage can keep us from sin: “Since there is so much immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman her own husband” (1 Corinthians 7:2). Rather than engage in immorality, believers are to be married. Sex within marriage between one man and one woman or celibate singleness—these are the only two options for Christians. Although the Bible does speak of celibacy as a gift, it is not listed with the spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12; Romans 12). Singleness is a gift that God gives everyone, at least temporarily. For some, the gift of singleness is permanent; for others, God takes that gift away and gives the gift of marriage in its place. The Bible encourages those who are celibate in Christian service that they are an important part of God’s family.GotQuestions.org Related Resources: Does the Bible teach the celibacy of priests? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about a Christian staying single? | GotQuestions.orgMATERIALISM: DIVIDED INTERESTS Does marriage hinder your relationship with God? | GotQuestions.org David Jeremiah - IF YOU’RE HAPPY AND YOU KNOW IT For I wish that all men were even as I myself. But each one has his own gift from God, one in this manner and another in that. When Margaret Achorn retrieved a large package from the post office one Christmas, she didn’t recognize the sender’s name. She became suspicious: what if it was a bomb? After the police bomb squad opened it, the only thing left in the debris was the warranty card for the new stereo. She never found out who sent such a nice gift, or why. Sometimes Christians act suspicious about the gifts God has given them. While they may know the giver is God, they are hesitant to enjoy the gift, wondering what strings might be attached. A little-known reference to spiritual gifts in the New Testament is when Paul uses the Greek word charisma to refer to the inclination to be married or remain single (1 Corinthians 7:7). Some unmarried Christians are fully content being single but get the idea from the world (and sometimes the church) that they shouldn’t be—that marriage is always better. If you are single and content, stay that way, and use your gift for the glory of God. Singles can build up the body of Christ with their gift only if the church recognizes the grace of God at work in their lives. 1 Corinthians 7:8 But I say to the unmarried and to widows that it is good for them if they remain even as I. Amplified But to the unmarried people and to the widows, I declare that it is well (good, advantageous, expedient, and wholesome) for them to remain [single] even as I do. Wuest I say then to the unmarried men and to the widows that it is a right procedure for them if they remain as I also am. (Eerdmans Publishing - used by permission) NET 1 Corinthians 7:8 To the unmarried and widows I say that it is best for them to remain as I am. NLT 1 Corinthians 7:8 So I say to those who aren't married and to widows-- it's better to stay unmarried, just as I am. ESV 1 Corinthians 7:8 To the unmarried and the widows I say that it is good for them to remain single as I am. NIV 1 Corinthians 7:8 Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I am. GNT 1 Corinthians 7:8 Λέγω δὲ τοῖς ἀγάμοις καὶ ταῖς χήραις, καλὸν αὐτοῖς ἐὰν μείνωσιν ὡς κἀγώ· KJV 1 Corinthians 7:8 I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I. YLT 1 Corinthians 7:8 And I say to the unmarried and to the widows: it is good for them if they may remain even as I am; ASV 1 Corinthians 7:8 But I say to the unmarried and to widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I. CSB 1 Corinthians 7:8 I say to the unmarried and to widows: It is good for them if they remain as I am. NKJ 1 Corinthians 7:8 But I say to the unmarried and to the widows: It is good for them if they remain even as I am; NRS 1 Corinthians 7:8 To the unmarried and the widows I say that it is well for them to remain unmarried as I am. NAB 1 Corinthians 7:8 Now to the unmarried and to widows, I say: it is a good thing for them to remain as they are, as I do, NJB 1 Corinthians 7:8 To the unmarried and to widows I say: it is good for them to stay as they are, like me. GWN 1 Corinthians 7:8 I say to those who are not married, especially to widows: It is good for you to stay single like me. BBE 1 Corinthians 7:8 But I say to the unmarried and to the widows, It is good for them to be even as I am. 1Co 7:26,27,32,34,35 1 Corinthians 7 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Marry (married) - 11x in 8v 1 Cor 7:9 1 Cor 7:10 1 Cor 7:28 1 Cor 7:33 1 Cor 7:34 1 Cor 7:36 1 Cor 7:38 1 Cor 7:39 Husband...wife - 17x in 10v - 1 Cor 7:2 1 Cor 7:3 1 Cor 7:4 1 Cor 7:10 1 Cor 7:11 1 Cor 7:13 1 Cor 7:14 1 Cor 7:16 1 Cor 7:34 1 Cor 7:39 PAUL ADVISES UNMARRIED TO STAY UNMARRIED Arnold introduces unmarried in vv 8-9 - These Corinthians had written a letter to Paul asking him questions about marriage. These questions arose because there were some who were giving a twisted and perverted view of celibacy. They were teaching that marriage was a moral evil in contrast to the single state. They really believed celibacy was a morally superior position and that the truly spiritual people in the local church would not get married. So the whole congregation was being challenged as to whether it was right to get married or to stay married. Paul addresses first the unmarried and widows. This probably refers to people who were widows and widowers, but it may include all unmarried, even divorcees. It seems, however, to be dealing primarily with people who were once married and no longer are for whatever reason. MacArthur feels this is primarily addressing divorcees writing that 1 Cor 7:8-9 "answer the question, “Should those who were married and divorced before becoming Christians remarry?” No doubt that was a key question in the Corinthian church. Formerly married people came to salvation in Christ and asked if they now had the right to marry someone else." But I say to the unmarried and to widows that it is good (kalos) for them if they remain even as I - NLT - "It's better to stay unmarried." Amplified = "for them to remain [single] even as I do." Paul's point is that there are definite advantages to remaining single (unmarried) and that is good (kalos) which describes that which is inherently excellent or intrinsically good, and which provides some special or superior benefit, in this context referring to the superior benefit of singleness (even as I am - i.e. single). This reiterates "Yet I wish that all men were even as I myself am" he had just stated in 1 Cor 7:7. Relate Resource: Example of the widow Anna the prophetess who remained single and serving the Lord zealously (Lk 2:36-38+)