Paul made an emphasis that if one of the spouse is unbeliever, they should not separate just because the other one is not a believer. If they separate, their children would become illegitimate and Satan would lead them into this sinful world. Instead if they remain faithful to each other, the unbelieving spouse would change at the attitude of the believing spouse and children also change to become believers through their parents’ love and godly attitude. Paul does not teach that unsaved partner would be saved by the saved partner, but only says that the believer will have a spiritual influence on the unsaved partner. Many devoted Christians lived together although their partners were unsaved and eventually trusted the Lord. Paul further laid the principle that although Christians are all one in Christ, each believer should remain in the same calling he was in when the Lord saved him. Jewish believers should not try to become Gentiles (by erasing the physical mark of the covenant), and Gentiles should not try to become Jews (by being circumcised). Slaves should not demand freedom from their Christian masters, just because of their equality in Christ. However, Paul did advise Christian slaves to secure their freedom if at all possible, probably by purchase. This same principle would apply to Christians married to unsaved mates.
However, Christian partner is not obligated to keep the home together. We are called to peace, and we should do all we can to live in peace (Rom.12:18); but there comes a time in some situations where peace is impossible. If the unsaved mate separates from his or her partner, there is little the Christian can do except to pray and continue faithful to the Lord. If the unconverted mate ends up living with another partner that would constitute adultery and give grounds for divorce. But even then, (7:10-11) would encourage forgiveness and restoration. Paul did not deal with every possible situation. He laid down spiritual principles, not a list of rules.
We are prone to think that a change in circumstances is always the answer to a problem. But the problem is usually within us and not around us. The heart of every problem is the problem in the heart.
Unmarried Christians (7:25-38)
When Paul wrote this letter, the situation at Corinth was severe and they foresaw more persecution in the coming days. The society was going through a change. Paul with single minded focus for devotion and the urgency of serving the Lord he replies to the questions put out by Corinthians about the marriageable youngsters. In Corinth church there were lot of unmarried women and Paul writes this primarily to the parents of marriageable girls. Since Jesus did not give any special teaching on this topic, Paul gave his counsel as one taught by the Lord to consider several factors when they made their decision about marriage.
- Consider the present situation: ( 25-28): It appears there were political and economical pressures in Corinth. If a person gets married, he or she would be engaged more in pleasing each other. However it would be better for a person to be unmarried as per that situation. This does not mean that married people should seek a divorce. This counselling was for the unmarried ones. Further those who want to marry can joyfully get married but they must also be ready to accept some trials associated with them (7:28). The situation was very much demanding that those who were married must work as though they are not married even. This also refers to those couples who were separated earlier that they may continue to remain and serve the Lord with more vigour and commitment. “the cheapest thing in a wedding was the marriage license. From then on, the prices would go up!” (Warren Wiersbe).
During persecution, one can imagine how much more of a burden a wife or a family can be for someone committed to stand strong for the Lord. We may say, “Torture me, and I will never renounce Jesus.” But what if he or she were threatened with the rape of wife or the torture of children? These may seem far away to us, but they were not far away to Christians in the first century. These things were very common in the days of Nero the Emperor. But there are advantages of remaining married also as one finds great comfort and consolation with wife and children. But getting married or not getting married has nothing to do with spirituality or getting married is sin. We must remember that but God can use us whatever situation were in. But there are advantages in celibacy for serving God with more effectively.
- There is urgency: (7:29-31): There is urgency that believers make most of their time before Christ returns. Paul felt that single state was advantageous because it offered for detachment from temporal situations. Jesus, who told all Christians in all ages to be ready and anticipate His return. Paul says that “from now on those who have wives should live as if they had none; those who mourn as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away.” (7:29-31)
Even without considering the return of Jesus, it is worthwhile and accurate for Christians to live as if the time is short. The Psalmist expressed this attitude in (Ps.39:5) “You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man’s life is but a breath.” Further the Lord Jesus Christ said: “so you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him” (Matt.24:44). We must be ready all the time that the Rapture can take place any time. The Greek word for ‘short’ is “sustello” which is used when the ship draws near to the harbour and the mariner comes out and make preparation for the ship to touch harbour. So every believer must sense such urgency as the Lord’s coming is very near. Paul is calling the Corinthian church believers to make commitment and leave the worldly matters, worldly enjoyment and look forward to the speed of coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. So if a man is single without worldly liabilities, he can perform better with his commitments. The world is going to end very soon and whatever we have on this world, we need to leave them.