A Narrative on 1 Corinthians 7:1-7 According to the Amplified Bible (AMP)

Introduction

1 Corinthians 7:1-7 is part of Paul's response to questions from the Corinthian church about marriage, celibacy, and sexual relations. In this passage, Paul provides guidance on these issues, emphasizing the importance of mutual consent and the value of both marriage and celibacy. The Amplified Bible (AMP) expands on the nuances of these teachings, offering a deeper understanding of Paul's instructions. This narrative will explore the context, meaning, and implications of 1 Corinthians 7:1-7, providing a comprehensive understanding based on the Amplified Bible's rendition.

Now Let’s Eat Some Meat!

1 Corinthians 7:1-7 (AMP) "Now as to the matters of which you wrote: It is good (beneficial, advantageous) for a man not to touch a woman [outside marriage]. But because of [the temptation to participate in] sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband. The husband must fulfill his marital duty to his wife [with goodwill and kindness], and likewise the wife to her husband. The wife does not have [exclusive] authority over her own body, but the husband shares with her; and likewise the husband does not have [exclusive] authority over his body, but the wife shares with him. Do not deprive each other [of marital rights], except perhaps by mutual consent for a time, so that you may devote yourselves unhindered to prayer. But come together again so that Satan will not tempt you [to sin] because of your lack of self-control. But I am saying this as a concession, not as a command.I wish that all people were as I am. But each person has his own gift from God [one of this kind and one of that]."

Context of 1 Corinthians 7:1-7

1 Corinthians 7 addresses various issues related to marriage and singleness. The Corinthian believers had written to Paul seeking guidance on these topics, and Paul provides balanced instructions, recognizing both the value of marriage and the benefits of celibacy. His teaching aims to guide the church in maintaining purity, mutual respect, and spiritual devotion.

1 Corinthians 7:8-9 (AMP): "But I say to the unmarried and to the widows that as a practical matter it is good if they remain [single and entirely devoted to the Lord] as I am. But if they do not have [sufficient] self-control, they should marry; for it is better to marry than to burn with passion."

Detailed Exploration of 1 Corinthians 7:1-7

The Benefit of Celibacy

Key Phrase: "It is good (beneficial, advantageous) for a man not to touch a woman [outside marriage]."

Paul acknowledges the benefits of celibacy, particularly in terms of devotion to the Lord without the distractions that can come with marital responsibilities. However, he recognizes that celibacy is not a calling for everyone.

Matthew 19:10-12 (AMP): "The disciples said to Him, 'If the relationship of a man with his wife is like this, it is better not to marry.' But He said to them, 'Not all men can accept this statement, but only those to whom [the capacity to receive] it has been given. For there are eunuchs who have been born that way from their mother’s womb; and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by men; and there are eunuchs who have made themselves so for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. He who is able to accept this, let him accept it [he who is able to accept it, let him accept it].'"

The Necessity of Marriage for Avoiding Immorality

Key Phrase: "But because of [the temptation to participate in] sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband."

Paul advises marriage as a means to avoid sexual immorality. He recognizes human desires and recommends marriage as a legitimate outlet for sexual expression within the boundaries set by God.

Hebrews 13:4 (AMP): "Marriage is to be held in honor among all [that is, regarded as something of great value], and the marriage bed undefiled [by immorality or by any sexual sin]; for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous."

Mutual Marital Duties

Key Phrase: "The husband must fulfill his marital duty to his wife [with goodwill and kindness], and likewise the wife to her husband."

Marriage involves mutual responsibilities. Paul emphasizes the importance of fulfilling marital duties with goodwill and kindness, promoting a healthy and respectful relationship.

Ephesians 5:22-25 (AMP): "Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as [a service] to the Lord. For the husband is head of the wife, as Christ is head of the church, Himself being the Savior of the body. But as the church is subject to Christ, so also wives should be subject to their husbands in everything [respecting both their position as protector and their responsibility to God as head of the house]. Husbands, love your wives, seek the highest good for her and surround her with a caring, unselfish love, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her."

Shared Authority Over Bodies

Key Phrase: "The wife does not have [exclusive] authority over her own body, but the husband shares with her; and likewise the husband does not have [exclusive] authority over his body, but the wife shares with him."

Paul teaches that in marriage, spouses share authority over each other’s bodies. This mutual sharing fosters intimacy, trust, and respect.

1 Peter 3:7 (AMP): "In the same way, you husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way [with great gentleness and tact, and with an intelligent regard for the marriage relationship], as with someone physically weaker since she is a woman. Show her honor and respect as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered or ineffective."

Mutual Consent for Abstinence

Key Phrase: "Do not deprive each other [of marital rights], except perhaps by mutual consent for a time, so that you may devote yourselves unhindered to prayer. But come together again so that Satan will not tempt you [to sin] because of your lack of self-control."

Paul advises couples not to deprive each other of marital rights, except temporarily and by mutual consent, for spiritual purposes such as prayer. This temporary abstinence should be followed by resuming marital relations to avoid temptation.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (AMP): "Two are better than one because they have a more satisfying return for their labor; for if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and does not have another to lift him up. Again, if two lie down together, then they keep warm; but how can one be warm alone? And though one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."

Concession, Not Command

Key Phrase: "But I am saying this as a concession, not as a command."

Paul clarifies that his advice regarding marriage and celibacy is given as a concession, recognizing individual needs and circumstances, rather than as a strict command.

The Gift of Celibacy

Key Phrase: "I wish that all people were as I am. But each person has his own gift from God [one of this kind and one of that]."

Paul acknowledges the value of celibacy and wishes that others could embrace it as he has. However, he recognizes that celibacy is a gift from God, not a requirement for everyone.

Matthew 19:11 (AMP): "But He said to them, 'Not all men can accept this statement, but only those to whom [the capacity to receive] it has been given.'"

Summary

1 Corinthians 7:1-7, as rendered in the Amplified Bible, provides balanced guidance on marriage and celibacy. Paul acknowledges the benefits of celibacy but advises marriage as a means to avoid sexual immorality. He emphasizes mutual responsibilities and shared authority between spouses, promoting a respectful and intimate marital relationship. Temporary abstinence from marital relations should be by mutual consent and for spiritual purposes, followed by resuming relations to avoid temptation. Paul clarifies that his advice is given as a concession, recognizing individual gifts and circumstances. Understanding and applying these teachings fosters healthy and respectful marital relationships and acknowledges the diverse gifts within the body of Christ.

If You Have Ears To Hear, Then Hear It!