Snoopy Considers 1 Corinthians

[Jaebius]

Paul prohibits marriage between a Christian and an non-Christian:

"Do not be mismatched with unbelievers; for what partnership is there between righteouwness and lawlessness? Or what fellowship is there between light and darkness (2 Corinthians 5:14)?"

But in the mass conversions at Corinth, there are cases where only one spouse is converted. In that case, Jesus' prohibition against seeking divorce applies (7:10). But if the unbelieving spouse takes the initiative for a divorce, the believer "is not bound" to remain in the marriage:

"But if the unbelieving partner separates, let it be so; in such a case the brother or sister is not bound. It is to peace that God has called you."
The believer is then free to divorce and remarry. This teaching is consistent with Jesus' exceptive clause which allows the believer to divorce and remarry in the case of adultery (Matthew 19:9)."

Yes, that's right, many believers came to faith while already married. Paul's instruction in 7:10-15 addresses this situation. He urges believers to remain with their non-believing spouses if they're willing, emphasizing the sanctifying influence a believing spouse can have.

Yet, Paul also acknowledges reality. If the unbelieving spouse chooses to leave, the believer is "not bound" to the marriage. This teaching aligns with Jesus' guidance on the permissibility of divorce in specific circumstances, as found in Matthew 19:9.

The key takeaway here is Paul's pastoral concern for peace and practical guidance for navigating complex marital dynamics. The underlying principle remains one of grace

 

[paradox3]

Believe that Paul places people into only two categories: believers (Christians), and non-believers (everyone else).

Yes I think you must be right. He really only sees insiders and outsiders when it comes to faith.

His concern is the potential for harmony and sanctification within marriages. The overall message is one of grace and hope, showing that God's love can work in even the most unexpected places

Makes sense. But keep in mind his highest ideal is for folks to remain unmarried.

 

[Jaebius]

Yes I think you must be right. He really only sees insiders and outsiders when it comes to faith.


Makes sense. But keep in mind his highest ideal is for folks to remain unmarried.

Paul recognizes that different people have different callings. He affirms the goodness of marriage. In verses 9 and 28, he encourages those who struggle with self-control to marry, recognizing that it’s better to marry than to burn with passion.

He emphasizes that whether single or married, each person must live out their calling with faithfulness

 

[Mystic]

Yes I think you must be right. He really only sees insiders and outsiders when it comes to faith.


Makes sense. But keep in mind his highest ideal is for folks to remain unmarried.

Paul says only that the singles life is "good." not that it is ideal. Pual remains single for practical reasons: he is constantly on the move in his apostolic ministry and is so often endangered by persecution. He does claim that the single lifestyle is best f or everyone.

 

[paradox3]

Paul says only that the singles life is "good." not that it is ideal. Pual remains single for practical reasons: he is constantly on the move in his apostolic ministry and is so often endangered by persecution. He does claim that the single lifestyle is best f or everyone.

Paul says it is best for the widows and unmarried to remain as he is (v. 8)

If they do not have self-control they can get married.(v. 9)

Sure sounds to me like Paul considers the unmarried/ celibate life to be ideal.

 

[Mystic]

Paul says it is best for the widows and unmarried to remain as he is (v. 8)

If they do not have self-control they can get married.(v. 9)

Sure sounds to me like Paul considers the unmarried/ celibate life to be ideal.

Nope. He sayhs it is "good" (not "best") and that is not the same as "ideal."

 

[paradox3]

Nope. He sayhs it is "good" (not "best") and that is not the same as "ideal."

The NET (which I have been using) says "best".

 

[Mystic]

The NET (which I have been using) says "best".

You see, p3, the NT was written in Greek, not English, and the word in question is "kalon," which means "good, honorable,' not "best!"

 

[Jaebius]

You see, p3, the NT was written in Greek, not English, and the word in question is "kalon," which means "good, honorable,' not "best!"

@paradox3 is correct, the NET does say "best." Here's the verse in many different Bible versions: Paul on singlenes

I note that the EASY which I use in preaching says it's "better" for single people to remain single. Most English versions, though, say "good"

Meanwhile, the KLB says, "미혼자와 과부들에게 말합니다. 여러분도 나처럼 혼자 지내는 것이 좋습니다." which roughly translates to "I tell unmarried people and widows. It's good for you to be alone like me." (Papago)

A couple of things which afaik haven't been mentioned here yet:

1. Paul was writing in a time in which the early Christians were waiting for the imminent return of Jesus Christ. They really believed Jesus was going to return during their lifetimes. That be a key reason why Paul thinks it's better to do be unencumbered by marriage.

2. At least some scholars think Paul wrote 1 Corinthians after he became a widower. If such is the case, when he says singleness is better, it's not the state of having never been married that he's talking about. That may be why he then goes on to say that getting married is better than burning in passion

 

[paradox3]

You see, p3, the NT was written in Greek, not English

No kidding.

, and the word in question is "kalon," which means "good, honorable,' not "best!"

Most translations render it "good". You are correct about that. The NET (Snoopy's favorite) and a few others are the exceptions.

 

[paradox3]

1 Corinthians 7:17-24

Bible Gateway passage: 1 Corinthians 7:17-24 - New English Translation

The Circumstances of Your Calling - Nevertheless, as the Lord has assigned to each one, as God has called each person, so must he live. I give this sort of direction in all the churches. Was anyone called after he had been circumcised? He should not try to undo his circumcision. Was anyone...

www.biblegateway.com

Paul rules on the issue of circumcision for believers. The important thing is each man's circumcision status at the time of his calling.

Anyone who was already circumcised should not try to undo his circumcision. Anyone uncircumcised should not have the procedure done.

Keeping God's commandments is what counts.

The principle also applies to slavery.

 

[paradox3]

Snoopy's Snappy Question: 1 Corinthians 7:17-24

How could Paul's thinking here be relevant to the church today?

 

[Jaebius]

1 Corinthians 7:17-24

Bible Gateway passage: 1 Corinthians 7:17-24 - New English Translation

The Circumstances of Your Calling - Nevertheless, as the Lord has assigned to each one, as God has called each person, so must he live. I give this sort of direction in all the churches. Was anyone called after he had been circumcised? He should not try to undo his circumcision. Was anyone...

www.biblegateway.com

Paul rules on the issue of circumcision for believers. The important thing is each man's circumcision status at the time of his calling.

Anyone who was already circumcised should not try to undo his circumcision. Anyone uncircumcised should not have the procedure done.

Keeping God's commandments is what counts.

The principle also applies to slavery.

Paul's message about circumcision tells us that it's really about spiritual commitment. Circumcised or not, we are all embraced, he suggests, by God's love. He calls us his readers to focus on their heart’s alignment with God’s will.

When Paul extends this principle to slavery, it's a reminder of the profound freedom believers find in Christ. They're free in him and that freedom is above all worldly conditions

 

[Jaebius]

Snoopy's Snappy Question: 1 Corinthians 7:17-24

How could Paul's thinking here be relevant to the church today?

Paul's guidance in this passage is timeless. He emphasizes that whether circumcised or not, slave or free, what truly matters is living out God's commandments. It's a message that transcends contexts and speaks directly to us today.

In our modern churches, this teaching urges us to focus on the internal transformation of our hearts. It's about the depth of our friendship with God and our commitment to his will. It invites us to embrace diversity within our churches, recognizing that each person's unique calling is valuable.

By applying Paul's principle, we're reminded to seek freedom in Christ from whstever binds us. Whether it's societal expectations, personal insecurities, or external circumstances, we're called to find our true identity and purpose in God's love and commandments

 

[paradox3]

Agreeing with @Jae

My denomination strives to be inclusive of all people, meaning: Country of origin. Racial identity. Sexual orientation. Gender identity. Economic status. Physical mobility etc.

Paul declares that following God's commandments is the most important thing of all.

In Christian circles we often focus on matters of belief.

In Judaism, identification with the people and following God's commandments are paramount. Paul seems to be moving away from his Jewish (Pharisee) identity.

But his inner Jew might be speaking when he stresses God's commandments.

 

[unsafe]

verses 17-21

Paul is telling his Church to live as believers in conduct and actions in the position God Has called them in ----Married --Single --Divorced ---Circumcised or Uncircumcised ----

So if you were called under being circumcised do not try to change that ----and if you were called uncircumcised do not become circumcised ----circumcision now means nothing ---obeying God's commands is needed now ----

They were once slaves under the Abrahamic Covenant of Circumcision but now are free under Grace ---anybody once enslaved should take the opportunity to become free ---

This is such a great statement here Paul makes in my view ----
As today when we are born we are Slaves to this world's god who is wicked and who wants to destroy us through deceit and deception ----and we have a Choice to be free of the god of this world and only a few take the freedom road ----the world's road is Wide ====the Freedom road is Narrow --our choice which road we want to remain on ---and where the end of each road leads us ----

Paul again says it like it is ------
Verses 23-24 ---AMP B
23 You were bought with a price [a precious price paid by Christ]; do not become slaves to men [but to Christ].
24 Brothers, let each one remain with God in that condition in which he was [when he was] called.

My view ----Jesus paid a high price to set the captives free ---so don't be slaves to this worldly god who wants to destroy you Spiritually ----be a servant of Christ who wants to give you Spiritual life -----and an abundant life in the here and now ----

 

[paradox3]

Good synopsis @unsafe

 

[unsafe]

There is no such thing for anyone under this New Covenant of Salvation as differences in race --or gender or languages or different Religious denominations under Christ ----or whether your gay or straight or something else ----

What freedom that is ---------from this world's way ----racism conflicts and wars ---trying to understand a person who speaks in another language ---Females verses males wars and conflicts ---gay verse straight etc-wars and conflicts ---Religious preferences conflicts and wars -----

Like Paul said about His Church following the leader instead of following the true master who Freed them from human masters --Christ who lives in them -----

Being a true Christian is no small Task to take on ----it requires thick skin ---steadfast faith and great stamina and self control and enormous trust in an unseen God to do as He Says in His word ====

Being a person in this world is no small Task either --- dealing with all the different conflicts and man made wars this human society has inflicted upon this earth takes its toll on many ---and many have taken their own lives over the stress and anxiety it has caused them personally ----

The difference between the 2 realms is under God's Spiritual realm ---you have Spiritual help to protect you and help you resist evil temptations and give us strength and encouragement when your Faith is grounded and rooted in Christ -----

Where as in this physical realm you have a spiritual enemy who is not so eager to help you succeed as he is in helping your fail to stay strong and keep the stress and anxiety at bay --
There is no encouragement in keeping your intellectual faith strong ---to resist temptations and help protect you -----
It is all left up to the individual person to seek out their own help in this physical world ----

Who do you want to be under ???????????

This to me is what Paul's message is about in the Chapters so far -----just my thoughts on this ----

 

[Jaebius]

Agreeing with @Jae

My denomination strives to be inclusive of all people, meaning: Country of origin. Racial identity. Sexual orientation. Gender identity. Economic status. Physical mobility etc.

Paul declares that following God's commandments is the most important thing of all.

In Christian circles we often focus on matters of belief.

In Judaism, identification with the people and following God's commandments are paramount. Paul seems to be moving away from his Jewish (Pharisee) identity.

But his inner Jew might be speaking when he stresses God's commandments.

It's great to be reminded p3 that your denomination is committed to inclusivity: that's something that strongly connects to the Good News.

Yes, when Paul emphasizes the importance of following God’s commandments, he’s echoing a rich heritage of faith that values right action. In my Reformed understanding, these commandments guide our journey of faith, calling us to live out the love of God.

Paul’s insistence on God’s commandments reflects the continuity of his dynamic faith

 

[Jaebius]

verses 17-21

Paul is telling his Church to live as believers in conduct and actions in the position God Has called them in ----Married --Single --Divorced ---Circumcised or Uncircumcised ----

So if you were called under being circumcised do not try to change that ----and if you were called uncircumcised do not become circumcised ----circumcision now means nothing ---obeying God's commands is needed now ----

They were once slaves under the Abrahamic Covenant of Circumcision but now are free under Grace ---anybody once enslaved should take the opportunity to become free ---

This is such a great statement here Paul makes in my view ----
As today when we are born we are Slaves to this world's god who is wicked and who wants to destroy us through deceit and deception ----and we have a Choice to be free of the god of this world and only a few take the freedom road ----the world's road is Wide ====the Freedom road is Narrow --our choice which road we want to remain on ---and where the end of each road leads us ----

Paul again says it like it is ------
Verses 23-24 ---AMP B
23 You were bought with a price [a precious price paid by Christ]; do not become slaves to men [but to Christ].
24 Brothers, let each one remain with God in that condition in which he was [when he was] called.

My view ----Jesus paid a high price to set the captives free ---so don't be slaves to this worldly god who wants to destroy you Spiritually ----be a servant of Christ who wants to give you Spiritual life -----and an abundant life in the here and now ----

View attachment 10588

Yes unsafe, Paul calls us to live faithfully in whatever circumstances God has called us. The beauty of his message is that it focuses on the heart of our obedience to God’s commands.

We Presbyterians celebrate the freedom we have in Christ: freedom from the chains of legalism and the world's expectations.

Paul’s words about remaining as we are when called reminds us that our true identity lies in Christ. As we live in this freedom, we're reminded of the grace that empowers us to walk in newness of life.

Jesus paid the ultimate price to set us free. As we live as his servants, we're called to embody his love. The narrow road leads to a life rich in eternal hope