Question 1

What does Paul mean by “it is good for a man not to touch a woman”?

Accepted Answer

When Paul says it is good for a man not to touch a woman, he is speaking about the value of remaining single and sexually chaste, especially in a time of distress and pressure. He is not saying marriage is wrong. He is saying there are benefits to staying unmarried if a person has that gift from God. Being single can free a person to focus more on the Lord. But because many struggle with sexual desire, he quickly adds that marriage is a good and God-given way to avoid sexual sin.

Question 2

Why does Paul say it is better to marry than to burn?

Accepted Answer

Paul is very honest about human weakness. When he says it is better to marry than to burn, he is talking about burning with sexual desire. If a person cannot remain self-controlled as a single, they should not feel guilty about wanting to marry. God gave marriage as a good and clean place for sexual intimacy. Paul is not putting down marriage or singleness. He is saying that either way, the goal is holiness, and marriage is a wise path for those who struggle to stay pure on their own.

Question 3

How should husbands and wives treat each other in this passage?

Accepted Answer

Paul says husbands and wives owe each other love and marital duty. Each has authority over the other’s body, so neither should selfishly withhold intimacy. Any time apart for prayer and fasting should be by mutual agreement and only for a time, so they are not left open to temptation. This shows marriage is a partnership, not one-sided. Both husband and wife are called to care for each other’s needs with kindness, respect, and faithfulness, seeing their bodies and lives as shared in the marriage covenant.

Question 4

What does it mean that the unbelieving spouse is sanctified by the believer?

Accepted Answer

When Paul says the unbelieving husband or wife is sanctified by the believing spouse, he does not mean the unbeliever is automatically saved. He means the marriage and home are set apart in a special way because one belongs to God. The presence of the believer brings a kind of holiness to the family, so the children are counted as holy, not unclean. This is why the believing spouse should stay if the unbeliever is willing to live with them. God can use that bond for good and possibly for the other’s salvation.

Question 5

What should a Christian do if their unbelieving spouse wants to leave?

Accepted Answer

Paul says if the unbelieving spouse chooses to leave and will not stay, the believer is not bound in such cases. God has called His people to peace, not constant conflict. The believer should not be the one pushing the unbeliever away, but if the unbeliever insists on going, the Christian is allowed to let them depart. This keeps both the call to peace and the respect for the marriage bond, while recognizing that the believer cannot control the other person’s choices.

Question 6

Why does Paul tell people to remain in the calling where they were called?

Accepted Answer

Paul reminds believers that they do not need to change their life situation to please God. Whether someone was married or single, circumcised or not, servant or free, they can serve Christ where they are. Obeying God’s commands matters more than outward status. Even a servant can know they are the Lord’s free person, and a free person belongs to Christ as His servant. Since believers were bought with a price, they should not become slaves of human approval but follow God faithfully in their present place.

Question 7

How does Paul compare marriage and singleness in serving the Lord?

Accepted Answer

Paul explains that both marriage and singleness are gifts from God, but they bring different concerns. A married person naturally has to think about pleasing their spouse and caring for family needs. An unmarried person is more free to focus on the things of the Lord and how to please Him. Paul does not shame marriage, but he points out practical realities. He speaks this for their good, not to trap them, so they can choose the path that helps them serve God with less distraction in their own situation.

Question 8

What does Paul mean when he says “the time is short” and the world is passing away?

Accepted Answer

When Paul says the time is short and the form of this world is passing away, he is reminding believers that this present life and its patterns will not last. Because of this, even good things like marriage, sorrow, joy, business, and daily use of the world should not become ultimate. Those who have wives should live as if God still comes first. Those who buy and use the world’s goods should not cling to them. This eternal view helps Christians hold earthly ties more lightly and serve God as their main focus.

Question 9

Why does this passage say widows and virgins may be better off staying single?

Accepted Answer

Paul says widows and virgins do well if they marry, but may be happier if they remain single, especially because of the present distress and trouble that marriage can bring in hard times. Singleness can allow a person to care for the Lord’s things with fewer worries. Still, he is clear that marrying is not a sin. He gives his judgment as someone seeking their good, not laying a law. Each person should consider their own self-control, calling, and circumstances, and choose the path that helps them serve Christ faithfully.

1 Corinthians 7:1

Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.

Principles of Marriage

Live Your Calling

The Unmarried and Widowed

Principles of Marriage

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1 Corinthians 7:1

Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.

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Principles of Marriage

Live Your Calling

The Unmarried and Widowed

Principles of Marriage

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