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1 CORINTHIANS

CHAPTERS

1 Corinthians 7:1-7

1 “Now concerning the things about which you wrote, it is good for a man not to touch a woman. 2 But because of sexual immoralities, each man is to have his own wife, and each woman is to have her own husband. 3 The husband must fulfill his duty to his wife, and likewise the wife also to her husband. 4 The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does; and likewise the husband also does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. 5Stop depriving one another, except by agreement for a time so that you may devote yourselves to prayer, and come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. 6 But this I say by way of concession, not of command.7 Yet I wish that all men were even as I myself am. However, each has his own gift from God, one in this way, and another in that.”


Verse 1: Paul is addressing a specific issue that the Corinthians wrote to him about. They were suggesting that it is good for a man to abstain from any physical contact with a woman. This verse highlights the Corinthians’ concern about sexual immorality and their desire to avoid any potential temptation. However, Paul’s response will provide a balanced perspective on this matter.

Verse 2: Paul acknowledges the reality of sexual temptations and immoralities. He advises that it is better for each man to have his own wife and each woman to have her own husband. This verse emphasizes the importance of marriage as a God-given institution to provide a healthy outlet for sexual desires and to foster a committed and loving relationship.

Verse 3: Paul emphasizes the mutual responsibility of spouses to fulfill their marital duties to one another. Meeting these sexual needs is an important aspect of marriage.

Verse 4: Paul emphasizes the mutual ownership and responsibility within the marriage relationship. This verse highlights the importance of mutual respect and selflessness in meeting each other’s needs. It reminds husbands and wives that they are to consider the needs and desires of their spouse as equal to their own.

Verse 5: Paul advises against depriving one another of physical intimacy, except by mutual agreement for a specific period of time for the purpose of prayer. Because marriage is largely having intimacy needs met, it is unhealthy for spouses to deprive one another of meeting these needs. 

Verse 6: Paul clarifies that his advice regarding marital intimacy is not a command, but a concession. This verse highlights the freedom believers have in making decisions within the context of their marriage. It reminds couples that they have the liberty to navigate their own unique circumstances and make choices that honor God and strengthen their relationship.

Verse 7: Paul acknowledges that not everyone has the same gift or calling regarding marriage. He expresses his personal preference for singleness, but recognizes that each person has their own unique gift from God. Paul emphasizes the diversity of God’s gifting and the importance of embracing and honoring one’s own calling and circumstances.

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1 CORINTHIANS

CHAPTERS

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