Covenant Reformed News – February 2007 • Volume XI, Issue 10
This article provides a Reformed exegetical analysis of 1 Corinthians 7:25-40, specifically addressing Paul's counsel regarding whether single persons should marry. The author examines whether the "present distress" and "trouble in the flesh" mentioned by Paul refer to persecution or to the general difficulties of married life in a fallen world, citing interpretations from Calvin and other Reformed theologians.
Distress and Trouble in Marriage Whereas I Corinthians 7:1-16 deals chiefly with married persons, and verses 17-24 address the issue of calling, verses 25-40 treat mainly of single persons, especially virgins and whether or not they should marry. The apostle does not answer with a sweeping command: “All must marry” or “All must not marry.” He states, “Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord” (25), for Christ did not specifically address this in His public ministry. This does...