Paul"s concession was allowing temporary abstinence from sex. The concession was not having sex. He did not command abstinence. He viewed regular marital relations as the norm. Paul was no ascetic who favored as little sex as possible. Abstinence was the exception to what was normal in his view. [source][source][source]
Context Summary
1 Corinthians 7:1-14 - Marriage Bonds
The Apostle first addresses the unmarried, 1 Corinthians 7:1, etc. He speaks elsewhere reverently of marriage, Ephesians 5:23. Forbidding to marry is in his judgment a symptom of apostasy, 1 Timothy 4:1-3. His recommendations here were evidently due to the special circumstances of that difficult and perilous time. The loftiest conception of marriage is the wedding of two souls, each of which, has found its affinity; the Apostle is treating here the only conception of marriage entertained by these recent converts from paganism. He deals with them on their own level, with the determination of ultimately leading them to view marriage from Christ's standpoint. It is often well to fast from lawful things, that we may surrender ourselves more absolutely to the Spirit of God.
In addressing the married, 1 Corinthians 7:10, etc., Paul is not dealing with the formation of marriage ties; they are settled by 2 Corinthians 6:14. He is deciding what course shall be followed, when either a husband or a wife has become a Christian, the other remaining unchanged. He decides that the Christian should not separate, so long as the unbelieving partner is willing to continue their life together. [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 7:6
By way of permission [κατα συνγνωμην] Old word for pardon, concession, indulgence. Secundum indulgentiam (Vulgate). Only here in N.T., though in the papyri for pardon. The word means “knowing together,” understanding, agreement, and so concession. [source]
Not of commandment [ου κατ επιταγην] Late word (in papyri) from επιτασσω epitassō old word to enjoin. Paul has not commanded people to marry. He has left it an open question. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 1 Corinthians 7:6
Greek Commentary for 1 Corinthians 7:6
Old word for pardon, concession, indulgence. Secundum indulgentiam (Vulgate). Only here in N.T., though in the papyri for pardon. The word means “knowing together,” understanding, agreement, and so concession. [source]
Late word (in papyri) from επιτασσω epitassō old word to enjoin. Paul has not commanded people to marry. He has left it an open question. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 1 Corinthians 7:6
The phrase in Romans 16:26. Κατ ' ἐπιταγὴν absolutely, by commandment, 1 Corinthians 7:6, 2 Corinthians 8:8. Paul uses διὰ θελήματος θεοῦ bythe will of God. See 1 Corinthians 1:1; 2 Corinthians 1:1; Ephesians 1:1; Colossians 1:1. Comp. 2 Timothy 1:1. [source]
A late Koiné{[28928]}š word (Polybius, Diodorus), but a Pauline word also in N.T. This very idiom (“by way of command”) in 1 Corinthians 7:6; 2 Corinthians 8:8; Romans 16:26; 1 Timothy 1:1; Titus 1:3. Paul means to say that he is an apostle under orders. [source]
See note on 1 Corinthians 7:6; 2 Corinthians 8:8. Assertion of authority is sometimes necessary. [source]