1 Corinthians 7: The
Institution of Marriage and Human Sexuality in the Face of the Parousia. In
this chapter Paul responds to some questions raised by the Corinthians about
sex and marriage in the lives of Christian believers. It appears that the
Corinthians had adopted an ascetic attitude toward sexuality in light of their
belief that full salvation in Christ had already arrived (in 1 Cor 7:1b Paul
cites one of their slogans to this effect). Paul writes to correct this
attitude, emphasizing in 1 Corinthians 7:2–6 the mutual obligations and
responsibilities of sexual relationships between husbands and wives. This
section presents little difficulty as far as eschatological matters are
concerned. However, in 1 Corinthians 7:7–40 Paul continues with advice that
seems much more conditioned by his views of the imminent parousia of Christ;
this is particularly true in 1 Corinthians 7:25–35. There he advises those who
are single (for whatever reason) to remain so in light of the “present
distress” (1 Cor 7:26) and the “shortening of the time” (1 Cor 7:29). The
chapter is an exegetical minefield, but most scholars agree that to some degree
Paul’s eschatological perspective is coloring his ethical advice to those
contemplating marriage. Whatever interpretation is eventually adopted, one must
give due consideration to the eschatological backdrop of Paul’s thought (see
Moiser for an overview). (Larry J. Kreitzer, “Eschatology,” in Dictionary of
Paul and His Letters, ed. Gerald F. Hawthorne, Ralph P. Martin, and Daniel
G. Reid [Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity Press, 1993], 256)
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