1 Corinthians 7:2
But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse isn't just about saying "marriage is good," but that mutual possession within marriage is the divine antidote to sexual temptation. It highlights that a shared, exclusive commitment is the intended protection, not merely a societal norm.
Paul is addressing questions the Corinthian church raised about marriage, specifically whether it's best to remain unmarried. He's already acknowledged that celibacy can be a good thing in certain circumstances, but he immediately pivots to the reality of human experience and the constant pressure of sexual temptation, arguing that for most people, marriage is God's intended solution. He's not just talking about avoiding sin, but about providing a healthy, ordered way for intimacy to be expressed within a committed relationship.
Paul doesn't just suggest marriage; he presents it as a critical solution. Why is marriage so central to God's plan for purity?
A Solution, Not Just a Suggestion
Paul is addressing a really practical, and often messy, issue in the Corinthian church: sexual immorality. He doesn't tiptoe around it. He states clearly that marriage is the God-ordained way to protect against this specific temptation.
It's a positive provision from God, designed to channel our desires in a holy and life-giving way. This isn't about societal pressure; it's about a sacred covenant that offers protection and intimacy.
The 'Why'
The phrases 'his own wife' and 'her own husband' sound exclusive, even possessive. What does this 'ownership' truly mean within a Christian marriage?
Belonging to One Another
When Paul says 'his own wife' and 'her own husband,' he's speaking about belonging – a unique and exclusive commitment. This isn't about owning another person like property, but about recognizing that in marriage, a couple enters into a sacred bond where they belong to each other, solely and faithfully.
This mutual belonging is rooted in our belonging to Christ. It's within this covenant relationship that the exclusivity of marriage finds its deepest meaning and its strength against temptation. It’s a beautiful picture of Christ’s love for the church.
Understand the original words
porneia · Greek Noun
A broad term used in the New Testament to describe any sexual activity outside the bounds of the marriage covenant. It encompasses adultery, fornication, and various forms of sexual impurity.
The Corinthian church was a mix of people from various backgrounds, including Gentiles and possibly relocated Jews, in a city notorious for its immorality. Paul's counsel on marriage is rooted in helping believers navigate these challenging cultural pressures while maintaining holiness.
c. AD 40-50
Paul's Ministry in Corinth
The Apostle Paul spent about 18 months in Corinth establishing a church, facing significant opposition but also seeing many believe.
c. AD 50
Jewish Expulsion from Rome
The Roman Emperor Claudius expelled Jews from Rome, which may have caused some Jewish Christians to relocate to Corinth. This could have brought differing views on marriage and Jewish law.
c. AD 50-52
Writing of 1 Thessalonians
While in Corinth, Paul wrote his first epistle to the church in Thessalonica, addressing issues of Christian living and eschatology.
c. AD 53-57
Paul's Third Missionary Journey
Paul's extensive ministry during this period, particularly his long stay in Ephesus, allowed for ongoing communication and instruction to churches like Corinth.
This passage echoes the same call for sexual purity and the importance of having one's own spouse to avoid immorality.
Hebrews 13:4It reinforces the idea that marriage is to be held in honor among all and that the marriage bed is undefiled, directly supporting the sanctity of the marital union presented in Corinthians.
Genesis 2:24This foundational passage describes the creation of marriage, where a man leaves his parents to cleave to his wife, establishing the 'one flesh' union that 1 Corinthians is defending as a defense against sin.
Proverbs 5:15-20This passage offers a stark warning against adultery and praises faithfulness within marriage, presenting a wisdom literature parallel to Paul's practical advice on maintaining sexual integrity.
This verse isn't just about saying "marriage is good," but that mutual possession within marriage is the divine antidote to sexual temptation. It highlights that a shared, exclusive commitment is the intended protection, not merely a societal norm.
Paul is addressing questions the Corinthian church raised about marriage, specifically whether it's best to remain unmarried. He's already acknowledged that celibacy can be a good thing in certain circumstances, but he immediately pivots to the reality of human experience and the constant pressure of sexual temptation, arguing that for most people, marriage is God's intended solution. He's not just talking about avoiding sin, but about providing a healthy, ordered way for intimacy to be expressed within a committed relationship.
Paul is addressing questions the Corinthian church raised about marriage, specifically whether it's best to remain unmarried. He's already acknowledged that celibacy can be a good thing in certain circumstances, but he immediately pivots to the reality of human experience and the constant pressure of sexual temptation, arguing that for most people, marriage is God's intended solution. He's not just talking about avoiding sin, but about providing a healthy, ordered way for intimacy to be expressed within a committed relationship.
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c. AD 55— this verse
Writing of 1 Corinthians
From Ephesus, Paul writes this letter to address various issues plaguing the Corinthian church, including divisions, immorality, and questions about spiritual gifts and marriage.
"But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband." — This verse isn't just about saying "marriage is good," but that mutual possession within marriage is the divine antidote to sexual temptation. It highlights that a shared, exclusive commitment is t…
