What does 'not to touch a woman' specifically mean in 1 Corinthians 7:1?
It means a man should not become physically involved with a woman in a way that excites sexual senses. It does not forbid marriage, handshaking, or affectionate greeting; Paul clarifies believers must be careful in everyday contact with the opposite sex.
Les teaches that 1 Corinthians 7:1's phrase "not to touch a woman" must not be misinterpreted. Paul is writing to Gentiles in wicked Corinth who came out of immoral idolatrous paganism, where marriage had little moral integrity or fidelity, and they were going off the deep end, asking whether it was right to marry. Les explains that Paul is not saying they should not get involved and get married. Rather, in light of chapter 6, believers—men and women—must be careful in their contact with the opposite sex in everyday experiences. Les says the Greek indicates a man should not get physically involved with a woman to excite the sexual senses. It does not forbid shaking hands with women or the early church's holy kiss/embrace.
Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.
More Questions
Why did Paul say it is good for a man not to touch a woman in 1 Corinthians 7?
Paul's advice in 1 Corinthians 7 that 'it is good for a man not to touch a woman' was likely because he knew the freshly converted Gentile believers would soon face intense persecution from the Roman Empire.
Does Paul's teaching forbid shaking hands with women?
Paul is not bringing into vogue the taking away of shaking hands with women.