The fourth observation is that when contemplating marriage, Christians must think about lifelong commitment. We read in v. 39, "A wife is bound by law as long as her husband lives; but if her husband dies, she is at liberty to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord." Paul seems to be tacking on something. However, this assumption is not the case. In light of the remote context of Paul's point, that is, that person's are better off remaining in the state in which they currently find themselves, and, in light of the immediate context of Paul's discussion on virgins and betrothed virgins (25; 36), he seems to be speaking to the betrothed virgin, that is, the counter part to the man in v. 36. The sentiment of vv. 39-40 is the same as that of vv. 36-38, except it refers to the woman considering marriage. The sense is this: "a woman, that is, a virgin who marries, will be bound to her husband as long as he lives." Paul wants the woman to consider the permanence of the change she is about to create in her life. He goes on to say, "But, if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes." Again, it is not wrong to marry.

The fifth observation is that when contemplating marriage, Christians must think about their intended. It is not wrong to marry says Paul. But, he adds one qualifier: she must marry a believer. This is what Paul means when he says "only in the Lord."

The sixth observation is that when contemplating marriage, Christians must think about present distress. In v. 40, Paul affirms his position once again. "In my opinion she is happier if she remains as she is." Paul, in view of the present distress, feels that the virgin will be happier to remain a virgin and single. He feels the widow will be happier to remain unmarried.

The seventh observation flows from the positive side of the previous point in a sense. When contemplating marriage, Christians must think about uncluttered happiness.

The eighth observation is that when contemplating marriage, Christians must think about biblical counsel. Paul adds an interesting statement: "and I think that I also have the Spirit of God." We take Paul to be offering a bit of sarcasm. No doubt the ascetics believed themselves to be spiritually superior to the rest of the Corinthians. They had indeed slandered Paul and questioned his apostleship. Paul has authority. He is the Lord's spokesman here. He is in fact receiving and dispensing revelation from God. Without being arrogant, but, perhaps with a mild rebuke, in light of who he is, he simply says "I think that I also have the Spirit of God."

Practically, we can seek church leaders to help us with these decisions. They can often help to clarify biblical principles for us and give us good and wise biblical counsel.
 

Click here to read Part 4.

Click here to read more of Dr. Dean's blogs in Crosswalk.com Weblogs.

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