December 17, 2024
DAILY BIBLE READING – 1 Corinthians Chapter 7
1 Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.
2 Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.
3 Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.
4 The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife.
5 Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.
6 But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment.
7 For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that.
8 I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, it is good for them if they abide even as I.
9 But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.
10 And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband:
11 But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.
12 But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away.
13 And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him.
14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.
15 But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace.
16 For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife?
17 But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches.
18 Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised.
19 Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.
20 Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called.
21 Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather.
22 For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord’s freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ’s servant.
23 Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.
24 Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God.
25 Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful.
26 I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, I say, that it is good for a man so to be.
27 Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife.
28 But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you.
29 But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none;
30 And they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not;
31 And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.
32 But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord:
33 But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife.
34 There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband.
35 And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction.
36 But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his virgin, if she pass the flower of her age, and need so require, let him do what he will, he sinneth not: let them marry.
37 Nevertheless he that standeth stedfast in his heart, having no necessity, but hath power over his own will, and hath so decreed in his heart that he will keep his virgin, doeth well.
38 So then he that giveth her in marriage doeth well; but he that giveth her not in marriage doeth better.
39 The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.
40 But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.
King James Version. Public Domain
Commentary
Introduction
1 Corinthians Chapter 7 offers a comprehensive exploration of the topics of marriage, singleness, and the calling of a Christian in various life stages. Paul responds to questions from the Corinthians and provides wise counsel that addresses both the specific situation of the congregation and fundamental spiritual principles. He discusses the significance of marriage as protection against immorality, praises singleness as an opportunity to fully focus on the Lord, and emphasizes the importance of remaining in the calling in which a person was called by God. The chapter teaches how Christians can align their life circumstances with their dedication to God.
Commentary
1. Marriage as Protection and Expression of Dedication
Paul acknowledges marriage as a legitimate institution that offers protection against sexual immorality and is based on mutual dedication. Verses 3–4 clarify that spouses are committed to each other in love and respect, emphasizing mutual responsibility. At the same time, Paul warns against becoming alienated from one another in marriage (verse 5). These words underscore the importance of communication, unity, and mutual service in marriage.
2. Singleness as a Spiritual Advantage
Paul speaks positively about singleness because it allows believers to fully concentrate on the Lord (verses 7–8, 32–35). However, he emphasizes that this is a special gift from God and not everyone is called to it. Singleness is not a commandment but an opportunity for those who feel capable of it.
3. Handling Divorce
In verses 10–16, Paul addresses the challenges that arise when one spouse is a believer and the other is not. While he regards marriage as sacred and seeks to avoid divorce, he acknowledges that peace in the relationship takes precedence if the unbelieving partner does not wish to maintain the marriage. Here, Paul emphasizes the importance of love, patience, and the attempt to win the spouse for the faith.
4. God’s Calling in Life Situations
Paul urges believers to remain in the state in which they were called (verses 17–24). This statement emphasizes that a person’s spiritual condition is more important than their external circumstances. Whether married, single, or bound – each person should live out their calling in Christ.
5. Living in the Light of Eternity
The warning in verses 29–31 serves as a reminder that time is short and earthly things are transient. Paul urges believers not to become too entangled in worldly obligations but to orient their lives towards eternal values and service to God.
Summary
1 Corinthians Chapter 7 provides answers to practical questions regarding marriage, singleness, and living in various callings. Paul emphasizes mutual responsibility in marriage and praises singleness for its spiritual advantages without making it obligatory. He admonishes unity in marriage, even in mixed-faith relationships, and stresses the importance of living in peace and in God’s calling. The chapter calls believers to view their lives in the light of eternity and to align everything – whether marriage, singleness, or calling – for the honor of God.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages
Chapter 80—In Joseph’s Tomb
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction:
Chapter 80 describes the final hours of Good Friday and the Sabbath, during which Jesus rests in the tomb after His crucifixion. This section highlights the significance of Jesus’ death and the rest in the tomb in relation to creation and redemption. At the same time, it establishes the symbolic connection between Jesus’ sacrificial death and the Sabbath rest. The chapter paints a profound picture of human sorrow, divine providence, and the priests’ efforts to suppress the memory of Jesus.
Commentary:
Jesus’ Rest in the Tomb and Its Significance Jesus’
Sabbath rest in the tomb mirrors God’s rest after creation. While creation was completed on the seventh day, Jesus’ rest symbolizes the completion of the redemptive work. This connection demonstrates that the cross is not only a place of suffering but also of triumph over sin. The Sabbath becomes a day of hope, pointing to the restoration of creation and eternal life.
Testimonies and Confessions After the Crucifixion
The words of the Roman centurion and the conversion of many spectators of the crucifixion serve as evidence that Jesus’ life and death had transformative power. The faith of Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus is highlighted in this chapter, as they courageously advocate for Jesus’ dignified burial despite their previous hesitations. This shows that Jesus’ death also moves hidden believers to take action.
The Priests’ Uneasy Conscience
Despite their apparent triumph, the priests are plagued by fear and doubt. Their efforts to seal and guard Jesus’ tomb reflect their uncertainty. Their attempt to prevent Jesus’ resurrection ultimately fulfills God’s plan and provides stronger evidence of His divinity.
The Testimony of Creation
Nature itself testifies to Jesus’ divinity: the darkness during the crucifixion, the earthquake, and the torn temple veil. These events underscore the significance of Jesus’ death and His connection to creation and the plan of redemption.
Summary:
Chapter 80 emphasizes the significance of Jesus’ rest in the tomb as a symbol of completed redemption and connects it with the Sabbath rest of creation. While Jesus’ enemies continue to try to suppress His influence, their actions ultimately provide evidence of His divinity. The chapter shows how Jesus’ death moves not only His disciples but also other witnesses of His crucifixion. The Sabbath following the crucifixion becomes a day of silence and reflection, harboring hope for the resurrection. The triumph of God over human plans and the glorification of His name are central themes of this chapter.
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