Albert Barnes Commentary 1 Corinthians 7:2

"But, because of fornications, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband." — 1 Corinthians 7:2 (ASV)

Nevertheless. But, (de.) Though this is to be admitted as proper where it can be done, when a man has entire control of himself and his passions, and though in present circumstances it would be expedient, yet it may also be proper to enter into the marriage connection.

To avoid fornication. Greek, On account of (dia) fornication. The word fornication is used here in the broad sense of licentiousness in general. For the sake of the purity of society, and to avoid the evils of sensual indulgence, and the corruptions and crimes that attend illicit intercourse, it is proper to enter into the married state.

To this vice they were particularly exposed in Corinth. See the Introduction. Paul would keep the church from scandal. How much evil, how much deep pollution, how many abominable crimes that have since grown out of the monastic system, and the celibacy of the clergy among Roman Catholics, would have been avoided if Paul's advice had been followed by all professed Christians!

Paul says that marriage is honorable, and that the relations of domestic life should be formed to avoid the evils that would otherwise result. The world is the witness of the evils that flow from the neglect of his advice. Every community where the marriage tie has been lax and feeble, or where it has been disregarded or dishonored, has been full of pollution, and it ever will be. Society is pure and virtuous, just as marriage is deemed honorable, and as its vows are adhered to and preserved.

Let every man, etc. Let the marriage vow be honored by all.

Have his own wife. And one wife, to whom he shall be faithful. Polygamy is unlawful under the gospel; and divorce is unlawful. Let every man and woman, therefore, honor the institution of God and avoid the evils of illicit indulgence.