The Bible Said What?Sample

Single vs. Married

In the book of 1 Corinthians, the Apostle Paul writes with great boldness to this young church in Corinth. So much so that many believers have had a difficult time with some of it. Here’s one particular verse that is hard for people to grasp:

So I say to those who aren’t married and to widows—it’s better to stay unmarried, just as I am. 1 Corinthians 7:8 NIV

To truly understand marriage, we must read the context where this verse lies, as well see the bigger picture of marriage in the entire Bible. 

First of all, what’s happening in 1 Corinthians 7 is bigger than just this verse. He’s addressing a church that’s struggling with its purity. It’s in this same passage that he’s also giving advice from God to married couples. Paul isn’t saying that marriage is wrong; it appears that he’s just giving His own thoughts on this subject. 

Then, if we go back to the first book of the Bible, we see that it’s God’s desire for marriage between a man and woman. God created male and female and commanded them to “be fruitful and multiply.” In Genesis 2:18, it specifically says, “It is not good for man to be alone…” 

So, with that context in mind, many people wonder if this is a command from God or if it’s just Paul’s suggestion. If we look farther down to 1 Corinthians 7:10, Paul says, “I have a command that comes not from me, but from the Lord.” It could be implied that the verses where he suggested that people stay single were his own suggestions. Paul seems to be careful to distinguish between what God commands and the opinions that belong to himself. 

So, what can we learn here? Marriage is a blessing from God and is critical when it comes to creation’s intent. But, just because God created and endorses marriage doesn’t mean that everyone will (or should) get married.

If you wonder if you should marry or stay single, just know that whatever God shows you is His path for your life. One isn’t a higher calling than the other. There is purpose in both paths.