Matthew Henry Commentary 1 Corinthians 7
Matthew Henry Commentary
1 Corinthians 7
Matthew Henry Commentary
1 Corinthians 7
"Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote: It is good for a man not to touch a woman. But, because of fornications, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband. Let the husband render unto the wife her due: and likewise also the wife unto the husband. The wife hath not power over her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power over his own body, but the wife. Defraud ye not one the other, except it be by consent for a season, that ye may give yourselves unto prayer, and may be together again, that Satan tempt you not because of your incontinency. But this I say by way of concession, not of commandment. Yet I would that all men were even as I myself. Howbeit each man hath his own gift from God, one after this manner, and another after that. But I say to the unmarried and to widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I. But if they have not continency, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn." — 1 Corinthians 7:1-9 (ASV)
The apostle tells the Corinthians that it was good, at that particular time, for Christians to keep themselves single. Yet he says that marriage, and the comforts of that state, are established by Divine wisdom. Though no one may break the law of God, that perfect rule still leaves people free to serve Him in the way most suited to their abilities and circumstances—a matter of which others are often very unfit judges. All must determine for themselves, seeking counsel from God how they ought to act.
"But unto the married I give charge, [yea] not I, but the Lord, That the wife depart not from her husband (but should she depart, let her remain unmarried, or else be reconciled to her husband); and that the husband leave not his wife. But to the rest say I, not the Lord: If any brother hath an unbelieving wife, and she is content to dwell with him, let him not leave her. And the woman that hath an unbelieving husband, and he is content to dwell with her, let her not leave her husband. For the unbelieving husband is sanctified in the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified in the brother: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy. Yet if the unbelieving departeth, let him depart: the brother or the sister is not under bondage in such [cases]: but God hath called us in peace. For how knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? Or how knowest thou, O husband, whether thou shalt save thy wife?" — 1 Corinthians 7:10-16 (ASV)
Husband and wife must not separate for any reason other than what Christ allows. Divorce, at that time, was very common among both Jews and Gentiles, on very slight pretexts. Marriage is a divine institution and an engagement for life, by God's appointment.
We are bound, as far as it depends on us, to live peaceably with all men (Romans 12:18), and therefore to promote the peace and comfort of our nearest relatives, even if they are unbelievers.
It should be the earnest endeavor of those who are married to make each other as comfortable and happy as possible. Should a Christian desert a husband or wife when there is an opportunity to give the greatest proof of love? Stay, and work diligently for the conversion of your relative.
In every situation and relationship, the Lord has called us to peace; and everything should be done to promote harmony, as far as truth and holiness allow.
"Only, as the Lord hath distributed to each man, as God hath called each, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all the churches. Was any man called being circumcised? Let him not become uncircumcised. Hath any been called in uncircumcision? Let him not be circumcised. Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing; but the keeping of the commandments of God. Let each man abide in that calling wherein he was called. Wast thou called being a bondservant? Care not for it: nay, even if thou canst become free, use [it] rather. For he that was called in the Lord being a bondservant, is the Lord`s freedman: likewise he that was called being free, is Christ`s bondservant. Ye were bought with a price; become not bondservants of men. Brethren, let each man, wherein he was called, therein abide with God." — 1 Corinthians 7:17-24 (ASV)
The rules of Christianity reach every condition. In every station of life, a person may live so as to be a credit to it. It is the duty of every Christian to be content with their circumstances and to conduct themselves in their rank and place as is fitting for a Christian. Our comfort and happiness depend on what we are to Christ, not what we are in the world. No one should think to make their faith or religion an argument to break through any natural or civil obligations. They should quietly and contentedly abide in the condition in which they are placed by Divine Providence.
"Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: but I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be trustworthy. I think therefore that this is good by reason of the distress that is upon us, [namely,] that it is good for a man to be as he is. Art thou bound unto a wife? Seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? Seek not a wife. But shouldest thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Yet such shall have tribulation in the flesh: and I would spare you. But this I say, brethren, the time is shortened, that henceforth both those that have wives may be as though they had none; and those that weep, as though they wept not; and those that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and those that buy, as though they possessed not; and those that use the world, as not using it to the full: for the fashion of this world passeth away. But I would have you to be free from cares. He that is unmarried is careful for the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord: but he that is married is careful for the things of the world, how he may please his wife, and is divided. [So] also the woman that is unmarried and the virgin is careful for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married is careful for the things of the world, how she may please her husband. And this I say for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is seemly, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction." — 1 Corinthians 7:25-35 (ASV)
Considering the distress of those times, the unmarried state was best. Nevertheless, the apostle does not condemn marriage. How contrary to the apostle Paul are those who forbid many to marry and entangle them with vows to remain single, whether they should do so or not! He exhorts all Christians to a holy indifference toward the world. As for relationships, they must not set their hearts on the comforts of that state.
As for afflictions, they must not indulge in the sorrow of the world; even in sorrow, the heart may be joyful. As for worldly enjoyments, these are not their true rest. As for worldly employment, those who prosper in trade and increase in wealth should hold their possessions as though they did not possess them. As for all worldly concerns, they must keep the world out of their hearts, so that they may not abuse the world when they have it in their hands.
All worldly things are mere show, nothing solid. All will quickly pass away. A wise concern for worldly interests is a duty, but to be full of care—to have anxious and perplexing care—is a sin. By this principle, the apostle resolves the question of whether it was advisable to marry. That condition of life is best for each person which is best for their soul and keeps them most clear of the cares and snares of the world.
Let us reflect on the advantages and snares of our own condition in life, so that we may make good use of the advantages and escape, as far as possible, all harm from the snares. And whatever cares may press upon our minds, let us still reserve time for the things of the Lord.
"But if any man thinketh that he behaveth himself unseemly toward his virgin [daughter], if she be past the flower of her age, and if need so requireth, let him do what he will; he sinneth not; let them marry. But he that standeth stedfast in his heart, having no necessity, but hath power as touching in his own heart, to keep his own virgin [daughter], shall do well. So then both he that giveth his own virgin [daughter] in marriage doeth well; and he that giveth her not in marriage shall do better. A wife is bound for so long time as her husband liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is free to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord. But she is happier if she abide as she is, after my judgment: and I think that I also have the Spirit of God." — 1 Corinthians 7:36-40 (ASV)
The apostle is thought to give advice here about arranging the marriages of children. In this view, the general meaning is clear. Children should seek and follow the guidance of their parents regarding marriage. Parents should consult their children's wishes and not assume they have the power to deal with them and dictate just as they please, without reason.
The entire section concludes with advice to widows. Second marriages are not unlawful, provided it is kept in mind to marry in the Lord.
In our choice of relationships and changes in life circumstances, we should always be guided by the fear of God, the laws of God, and act in dependence on the providence of God. Any change of condition should only be made after careful consideration and on reasonable grounds that it will be advantageous for our spiritual concerns.
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