Up until now, Paul has been dealing with reports of disunity (1 Corinthians 1:11) and tolerance of sexual immorality in the church (5:1). From chapter 7, the rest of 1 Corinthians is taken up by Paul replying to their requests for his advice on a number of issues over which they are divided. The phrases ″now about″ and "in the following directives" introduce each issue (see 7:1, 25; 8;1; 11:17; 12:1; 16:1, 12).

The first issue, in chapter 7, is whether celibacy or marriage is best for a Christian. In the previous chapter, Paul had to tackle the misconception that our physical bodies don't matter (a very Greek way of thinking) and correct those who argued that it was their right to sleep with a temple prostitute (6:15). Now, Paul deals with those on the other extreme-believers who are so concerned about sexual immorality that they avoid sex and marriage altogether, and even say, ″It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman″ (7:1).

Paul disagrees and lays out four scenarios for them to consider (vv. 2-16):

If you are married, you should not abstain and ″deprive each other″ (v. 5), but ″fulfil″ your sexual ″duty″ to your husband or wife (v. 3). Our bodies belong to our spouse (v. 4). Just as the wife yields her body to her husband, the husband yields his body to his wife. The only reason for a couple to stop having sex is when both partners agree to it, for a time period, and to devote themselves to prayer in a concentrated way (v. 5).

If you are not married or are widowed, it's good to remain so (v. 8). But not everyone has that ″gift″ of singleness (v. 7), and it is better to be in a marriage than to be consumed with sexual desire (v. 9).

If you are unhappily married (vv. 10-11), do not separate. But if you have already divorced, remain single or reconcile with your divorced spouse.

If you are married to an unbeliever (vv. 12-16), stay, unless your partner leaves.

Paul gives an important principle: when we come to Christ, we should not immediately look to change our situation, but focus on the way we live as a believer (v. 17). Whether we're married or single, circumcised or not (vv. 18-20), slave or free (vv. 21-22), it is our relationship with Jesus that ultimately defines us, not our outward circumstances (vv. 23-24). Whatever your social or marital status is, God is able to fill you with His love and strength so that you can serve Him, right where you are.

Gracious Father, help me to gladly accept the current situation in which You have placed me. Help me not to look for the nearest exit, but to look at how I can serve and glorify You wherever I am.