1 Corinthians 7:6-9

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 7:9

But if they cannot contain - If they find it inconvenient and uncomfortable to continue as widowers and widows, let them remarry. It is better to marry than to burn - Bishop Pearce translates the original thus: For it is better to marry than to be made uneasy. Πυρουσθαι , says he, "signifies primarily to burn; but in a metaphorical sense, to be troubled, vexed, or made uneasy. So in 2 Corinthians 11:29 ; : Who is offended and I burn not, και ουκ εγω πυρουμαι , and I am not... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 7:6

Verse 6 6.By permission That they might not, by taking their stand upon a precept of the kind that he had prescribed, loosen unduly the restraints of lust, (380) he adds a limitation — that he had written these things on account of their infirmity — that they may bear in mind that marriage is a remedy for unchastity, lest they should inordinately abuse the advantage of it, so as to gratify their desire by every means; nay more, without measure or modesty. He has it also in view to meet the... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 7:7

Verse 7 7.For I should wish, that all. This is connected with the exposition of the foregoing statement; for he does not fail to intimate, what is the more convenient way, but he wishes every one to consider what has been given him. (387) Why, then, has he, a little before, spoken not by way of commandment ? It is for this reason, that he does not willingly constrain them to marry, but rather desires that they may be free from that necessity. As this, however, is not free to all, he has respect... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 7:8

Verse 8 8.I say, then, to the unmarried. This depends on what goes before, and is a sort of inference from it. He had said that the gifts of God are variously distributed — that continency is not in the power of all, and that those who have it not ought to have recourse to the remedy. He now directs his discourse to virgins, to all that are unmarried, and to widows, and he allows that an unmarried life ought to be desired by them, provided they have the power; but that regard must always be had... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 7:9

Verse 9 9.But if they cannot contain While he advises to abstain from marriage, he always speaks conditionally — if it can be done, if there is ability; but where the infirmity of the flesh does not allow of that liberty, he expressly enjoins marriage as a thing that is not in the least doubtful. For this is said by way of commandment, that no one may look upon it as mere advice. Nor is it merely fornicators that he restrains, but those also who are defiled in the sight of God by inward lust;... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 7:1-7

Advice on details of Christian conduct. In dealing with these verses, it should be noticed: 1. That, concerning such matters of practical detail, St. Paul gives his advice, he does not lay down authoritative commands. 2. The apostle's mission concerned principles, not details, which are properly regarded as well within the control of cultured Christian thought and judgment. Inspiration is wisely limited to subjects which, for any reason, are out of ordinary human reach. None of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 7:1-9

Celibacy and marriage. Hitherto the apostle has been treating of abuses in the Church at Corinth, which had come to his knowledge, either through the household of Chloe ( 1 Corinthians 1:11 ) or through common report ( 1 Corinthians 5:1 ). He passes now to deal with certain matters regarding which the Corinthians had asked his advice by letter; and the first of these is marriage, with other related subjects. While treating the whole chapter homiletically, the preacher will do well to... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 7:1-11

The lawfulness of marriage, and its duties. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 7:1-11

Views concerning marriage: the institution in itself and in relation to circumstances, obligations, and duties. We have seen what a meeting place Corinth was for the schools of philosophy and Judaism—a sort of metropolitan Coliseum, in which the gladiators of intellect were in unceasing combat. Neither Rome, nor Athens, nor Jerusalem, afforded such a field of contention as this proud and sensual city, where worldly culture and elegance existed side by side with commercial wealth and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 7:1-35

Celibacy and marriage. The Corinthian Christians had written to the apostle for direction respecting the relative desirability and recumbency of single and wedded life. Probably some of them regarded marriage as obligatory, and others perhaps looked upon it as an evil. Amongst Gentiles there was at this period strong tendency towards celibacy. The reputation of Corinth was, moreover, an unenviable for wantonness and uncleanness. There was therefore great need for full and explicit... read more

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