How do you reconcile Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 7 with Hebrews 13?
Paul's instruction in 1 Corinthians 7 is not anti-marriage; it warns against touching or embracing in a way that excites basic instincts before marriage. Hebrews 13 declares marriage is honorable in all and the marriage bed undefiled. The two are reconciled by holding both together: marriage is honorable and undefiled, not forbidden.
Les explains that Paul is answering the Corinthians' question that it is not good for a man to touch or embrace a woman, or get involved with her enough to excite basic instincts, but Paul is not saying they cannot get married. Many people wrongly take this to mean Paul is anti-marriage; Les says he is not. Les directs us back to Genesis, where God established the marriage relationship and said they were to replenish the earth, have children, and enjoy marriage. Then in Hebrews 13, Les points out that marriage is honorable in all and the marriage bed is undefiled. Paul would not utterly contradict his statement in 1 Corinthians 7, so the two passages must be put together.
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What does Les Feldick say about 1 Corinthians 7?
Les Feldick says 1 Corinthians chapter 7 is a chapter he would just as soon forget about and skim around, but he still finds it appropriate.