Exegesis - 1 Corinthians 7:1-16

(from the study of Hermeneutics)

Conduct a detailed exegetical study of 1 Corinthians 7:1-16 in which you cover the following:

1.    Discuss the literary context of 1 Cor 7:1-16, paying attention respectively to the section, book and immediate levels.

The sectional context

The overall structure of 1 Corinthians is that the book is composed of two distinct sections, these being a report in 1 Cor 1-6, and a letter in 1 Cor 7-16.  First Corinthians 7:1-16 finds itself precisely between the report and the letter, thus the issues in Paul addresses in 7:1-16 are the first issues raised in his letter. This fact alone acts to highlight the issues which are addressed as important topics. It also strengthens the intent that the point Paul will make about these topics are foundational the believers doctrine. It is important to note that the full pericope includes ch.7:1-24. The issues addressed in 1 Corinthians in relation to the context of ch.7:1-16 are incest (5:1-13), lawsuits (6:1-8), prostitution (6:9-20), marriage (7:1-24), and virgins (7:25-40). Smith [2010] points out that Marriage and sexuality close the first half and open the second half of the book.

The book context

First Corinthians contains a pastoral letter with apostolic application, “all the churches of God”(11:16) [pickerill:1991]. My understanding is that Paul’s plan in the book is to draw a distinction between the culture of Corinth and the Church. Greeks were known for their idolatry and Corinth for its sexual immorality including its “sacred” prostitution as worship to Aphrodite. My understanding is influenced in that Paul comes as a surgeon with a scalpel aiming to skillfully separate the immoral culture and practices from Spiritual truth. In establishing correct doctrine his aim is that through its application the Church will separate from the ungodly ways of the city and become an example for the Gospel. He sets out to address behavioral problems in the Corinthian church stemming from doctrinal errors [Smith:2010]. Chapters 1-4 deals with factions and quarrels, 5-7 sexual sins, 8-11 worship, and 12-14 the abuse of spiritual gifts. So in one sentence, Paul wrote the letter to correct their flawed beliefs and sinful behaviour.

The immediate context

The logical divisions are noted by the phrase “Now concerning” (NKJV). 1 Corinthians 7:1 is the start of the address to marriage issues. The new section is started in vv1a with “Now concerning” and the first sub-topic in vv1b with “it is good for a man not to touch a woman”. As we proceed through the text we find the division into 4 sections, namely 1) “not to touch a woman” (vv1-7) speaking of sexual intimacy within marriage, 2) “to the unmarried and to the widows” (vv8-9) which includes men and women and those who have never married and those who were once married, 3)” to the married” (vv 10-11), and 4)”to the rest” (vv12-16) marriages where one is a believer and the other unsaved [Thiselton:2000]. The divisions relate to each other in that they systematically clearly define each sub-topic to be addressed. The flow of thought affects interpretation in that we can clearly recognise the cultural and historical context relevant to the time it was written from the spiritual truths Paul lays out, which are still relevant to us today. This enables us to go from interpretation to application.

2.    Discuss aspects of the historical and cultural setting that may have a bearing on the meaning of 1 Cor 7:1-16.

Aspects of the historical, cultural setting of 1 Corinthians 7

Acts 18:1-17 tells us that Paul had established the church in Corinth on his second missionary journey around A.D 50-51 [Pickerill:1991]. He had remained in contact with the church (1 Cor 5:9) and as such had received the report of the problems among the believers and in turn writes the letter to them (1 Cor 5:9-11). Soon after, Paul receives another report of divisions in the church but before he can write another letter he is met by a delegation from Corinth asking him certain questions (1 Cor 7:1, 16:17). Paul then sends Timothy to Corinth to try and correct the situation (1 Cor 4:17), and writes the letter of 1 Corinthians. The letter is pastoral and it’s purpose is to correct the doctrinal and practical problem within this local church, but also carries apostolic application (11:16). Culturally the letter reveals many of the Greek cultural issues such as sexual immorality of the city of Corinth, largely due to its geographical location. Religiously we see the idolatrous practices of the Greeks; their divisive philosophies; a spirit of litigation and their rejection of a bodily resurrection. The chief deity worshipped was Aphrodite, the goddess of licentious love and hence we see the practice of temple prostitutes in this worship. It is this religious and cultural mix that starts to show up in the Corinthian church.

The influence these historical, cultural and religious discoveries of the setting have on my interpretation is that is highlights the relevance of the passage for the modern church. I love how Macdonald sums it up in stating that “The theme of the Epistle is how to set right a worldly and carnal church that regards lightly the attitudes, errors, and actions that the Apostle Paul viewed with such alarm”[Macdonald:1985]. I have to ask myself when interpreting the pericope, am I taking these same things lightly or do I interpret what Paul is saying as truth for application in my own life? I must adopt one attitude or the other as I interpret it for if I don’t then I will not be able to move on to application. As we can clearly see similarities of the historical, cultural and religious setting being played out in the modern day church, my interpretation of the text becomes relevant for today and not a mere historical account. Macdonald again, “As Moffatt put it so succinctly, “The Church was in the world, as it had to be, but the world was in the Church, as it ought not to be.” How much more current could this interpretation be?

3.    Conduct word studies on each of the following terms and explain their contribution to the meaning of the passage:

o    "not to marry" in verse 1

A better examination of verse 1 can be made with reference to the term “not to touch a woman”, as the term “not to marry” does not appear in verse 1, though the underlying theme is similar. Discussing the relevance of this term in the first verse by way of the word study reveals the topic Paul wishes to address in this section of the letter in that he addresses the question of whether or not the single life was wrong.

o    "marital duty" in verse 3

In reference to the marital covenant husbands and wives have a binding mutual obligation to each other and in the context of this passage is in particular reference to sexual intercourse within the marriage union. The influence of Asceticism had caused some couples to neglect their faithfulness to each other in this regard and Paul wishes to re-establish the truth and need of this duty in marriage.

o    "gift" in verse 7

The word study reveals that this reference to “gift” is that of a gift of grace, a free gift, divine gratuity, spiritual endowment and miraculous faculty. It is used to designate the gifts of the Spirit and such a gift functioning in one’s life. In the context of the passage Paul makes reference to his ability to remain single only as a result of a spiritual gift, but allows for each person to make their own decision with regard to marriage as not everyone possesses this particular spiritually gifted ability.

o    "separate" and "divorce" in verses 10-11

The tense used by Paul here reveals more than a mere wish or desire as in verse 7,8. Rather it reinforces God’s command that “What therefore God joined together let no man put asunder.” Through this tense Paul wishes to stress that it is by no means acceptable to make divorce a common thing, which in the context of the passage addresses the familiarity of divorce and remarriage in Corinth. This stern approach highlights the seriousness of covenant and the marriage commitment in particular as it is an agreement made under God and not merely between a man and a woman. It set the theme for the entire passage in that it is a call to live correctly as believers and to a higher standard than non-believers. While on the one hand it is in order to set an example, and on the other hand because we live under God’s decree.

o    "sanctified" in verse 14

The word study reveals that the word literally means “to set apart”, however in the context of the passage it cannot be applied to individuals. That is to say that the unbelieving individual is not saved through their marriage to a believer. Rather it refers to the marriage relation being sanctified in that there is no need for a divorce. The practical implication is that through remaining married the non-believer may choose to come to faith through the example of the spouse.

o    "bound" in verse 15

The word “bound” or “bondage” refers to being enslaved. Thus should the unbeliever wish to depart then the believer is set free from the marriage and may allow for the divorce. God does not require enslavement in such a case and the effect of this allowance on the chapter highlights God’s interest in our well being as His children and His heart for us as believers especially in difficult circumstances.

4.    In terms of grammar, explain the significance of each of the following parts of speech:

o    The imperative verb in the clause "do not deprive" in verse 5.

The imperative verb used here highlights that clause as a command. The verb is “deprive” and “do not” is given as a command. Paul is expressing the point he is making about marital duty and that fact that it is a command and not a mere suggestion. The tense can be read as present and future and stresses the attitude of each spouse toward each other within the marriage. To deprive a spouse with the wrong motive would bring stress and not love. The imperative is strongly pro-marriage and literally it says in the Greek, "Give back that which is owed."

o    The conjunction "now" in verse 8 (translated "but" in some versions).

The conjunction “Now” introduces a new group of people Paul is addressing, namely the unmarried and the widows, as well as new information to these people. However, when translated as “But”, the conjunctions plays the role of bring contrast or an alternative to what Paul has just expressed as his ideal for all men to remain as he is.

5.    What figure of speech is used three times in verses 1-3? Explain why Paul used this figure of speech in this passage.

The figure of speech is a simile. Paul does this to compare the attitudes and actions of each spouse within the marriage and to express that each of their actions should be the same. By writing this way Paul highlights the equality of each partner in the marriage and most importantly to dispel the ideals of asceticism that suggested the contrary. I imagine that the way Paul wrote this would have been quite shocking to the readers who felt that they could lord their position in the marriage over each other by means of control or withholding what was obligatory in the marriage covenant.

6.    Study what the rest of the Bible teaches about the key topics in 1 Cor 7:1-16. Explain how other Scriptures correct, confirm or clarify what you saw in 1 Cor 7.

Spousal rights within Marriage: Ex 21:10 confirms that when taking a wife one is not to diminish her rights. In Matt 22:21 we find the same word “render” as in 1 Cor 7:3, and the word speaks of fulfilling ones duty or giving to someone what is owed to them.

Widows remarrying (1 Cor 7:9): 1 Tim 5:14 bring further clarity to the topic of younger widowers remarrying, bearing children, managing the house and protecting their reputations.

Divorce 1 Cor 7:10: Mark 10:6-10 brings clarity to the covenant of marriage under God and that there should be no separation. Malachi 2:14 confirms that marriage is a covenant. Jesus teaches that the only reason for divorce is sexual immorality in Matt 5:22.

Remaining married to an unbeliever (1 Cor 7:14,16): 1 Pet 3:1 speaks of the attitude and actions of a believing spouse toward an unbelieving one in order to win them for the kingdom.

Cited:
Smith K. Pointers on the literary context (1 Cor 7:1-16). Online Presentation accessed 24/11/2010. South African Theological Seminary.
Thiselton, Anthony C. 2000. The first epistle to the Corinthians: a commentary on the Greek text. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans
Pickerill D 1991. The first epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians. Spirit Filled Life Bible, Thomas Nelson Publishers.
Macdonald W 1985. Believers Bible Commentary. Thomas Nelson publishers