Does 'it is good for a man not to touch a woman' mean people should not marry?
No. Paul clarifies that "it is good for a man not to touch a woman" is not a command against marrying. Instead, it warns believers to avoid physical involvement that excites sexual desires. In light of chapter 6, men and women must be careful in everyday contact with the opposite sex, not abstain from marriage.
Les explains that Paul, the apostle of the Gentiles, was writing to the Corinthian congregation, which had come out of an immoral, idolatrous background and was confused about marriage. In paganism, marriage was mainly for propagating the family and lacked moral fidelity. The Corinthians were asking, "Is it right for us to marry?" Paul tells them not to misinterpret his statement. When he says it is good for a man not to touch a woman, he is not saying they should not get involved and marry. Rather, in light of chapter 6, believers—men and women—must be careful in their everyday contact with the opposite sex. Les understands the Greek to mean a man should not get physically involved with a woman to excite the sexual senses. It certainly does not forbid shaking hands with women, since the early church even practiced the holy kiss, much like Middle Easterners still do.
Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.
More Questions
What did Paul mean when he said it is good for a man not to touch a woman?
Les teaches that Paul's statement 'it's good for a man not to get involved' refers to sexual instincts and means not to touch a woman, so as to avoid fornication or falling into immoral activity.
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.