There was much unsettlement in regard to marriage in the church at Corinth. An unnatural asceticism was showing itself in some quarters and a lawless self-indulgence in others. Against these tendencies Paul resolutely set himself. While he held that marriage should be contracted only in the Lord, he also taught that where it had been consummated it should not be dissolved at the instance of the Christian, though the wish of the unbelieving partner might be acceded to. Children, also, born when one of their parents was a heathen, might be reckoned clean.
The Apostle refers both to vocation and to the Christian life as a divine calling, 1 Corinthians 7:18-24. We are all called to our trade or profession as much as a student is to the ministry. It is interesting that a man will speak of his business as his calling. God has a purpose for each of us, and summons us to fulfill it. Unless we are specially led to do otherwise, we should, on entering the Christian life, remain in the same calling in which our former life was spent. The only difference is that we are to stay in it with God, 1 Corinthians 7:24. In every service, however lowly, we should have an eye toward Christ. All may be done in Him, with Him, for Him. [source]
Chapter Summary: 1 Corinthians 7
1He discusses marriage; 4showing it to be a remedy against sinful desires, 10and that the bond thereof ought not lightly to be dissolved 20Every man must be content with his vocation 25Virginity wherefore to be embraced; 35and for what respects we may either marry, or abstain from marrying
Greek Commentary for 1 Corinthians 7:19
But the keeping of the commandments of God [αλλα τηρησις εντολων τεου] Old word in sense of watching (Acts 4:3). Paul‘s view of the worthlessness of circumcision or of uncircumcision is stated again in Galatians 5:6; Galatians 6:15; Romans 2:25-29 (only the inward or spiritual Jew counts). [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 1 Corinthians 7:19
Acts 4:3In ward [εις τηρησιν] Probably in one of the chambers of the temple. In safe keeping (from τηρεω tēreō to guard). Old word, in the N.T. only here and Acts 5:18; 1 Corinthians 7:19. So in papyri. [source]
Greek Commentary for 1 Corinthians 7:19
Old word in sense of watching (Acts 4:3). Paul‘s view of the worthlessness of circumcision or of uncircumcision is stated again in Galatians 5:6; Galatians 6:15; Romans 2:25-29 (only the inward or spiritual Jew counts). [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 1 Corinthians 7:19
Probably in one of the chambers of the temple. In safe keeping (from τηρεω tēreō to guard). Old word, in the N.T. only here and Acts 5:18; 1 Corinthians 7:19. So in papyri. [source]
A phrase peculiar to John and occurring elsewhere only Matthew 19:17; 1 Timothy 6:14. In 1 Corinthians 7:19, we find τήρησις ἐντολῶν thekeeping of the commandments. On τηρέω tokeep, see on 1 Peter 1:5. [source]