Yes, Paul teaches that those who lack self-control should marry to avoid sexual immorality.
Paul counsels that it is good for a man not to touch a woman, but to avoid fornication, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband. He further states that if they cannot contain, let them marry, for it is better to marry than to burn. Les Feldick explains this in the context of Corinth's immoral environment, emphasizing marriage as a safeguard against temptation.
1 Corinthians 7:2 — Paul directly instructs that each man and woman should have their own spouse to avoid sexual immorality, which is central to the question.
1 Corinthians 7:9 — Paul explicitly states that those lacking self-control should marry rather than burn with passion.
In 1 Corinthians 7, Paul addresses the Corinthians' questions about marriage. He first says, "It is good for a man not to touch a woman" (1 Cor 7:1), but immediately adds, "Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband" (1 Cor 7:2). This establishes marriage as a remedy for sexual temptation. Later, he explicitly instructs, "But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn" (1 Cor 7:9). This directive applies to the unmarried and widows, as verse 8 addresses them directly, advising that remaining single is good, but if they cannot exercise self-control, marriage is the appropriate course.
Les Feldick explains that Paul's advice is not anti-marriage but rather practical counsel given the circumstances of the early church, including the anticipation of the Lord's coming and impending persecution. He notes that Paul himself was single, likely for these reasons. However, Les emphasizes that marriage serves a 'redeeming effect' in preventing believers from being tempted to promiscuity, especially in a city like Corinth where sexual immorality was rampant. He clarifies that Paul is not saying everyone must marry, but rather that for those who cannot restrain their desires, marriage is the better path to avoid falling into sin.
Paul preferred that believers remain single because he expected the Lord's return at any moment and foresaw severe persecution coming upon Christians. In such circumstances, being single would make it easier to endure hardship without the added burden of a family. Les explains this from the clip, noting that Paul's own singleness likely stemmed from these considerations.
According to Paul, marriage provides a legitimate outlet for sexual desires, thus preventing believers from being tempted to promiscuity. Les illustrates this by referencing the city of Corinth, where a thousand prostitutes plied the streets nightly, making temptation constant. Paul's instruction to 'let every man have his own wife' was a practical safeguard against falling into such immorality.
Les explains that Paul's phrase 'better to marry than to burn' refers to burning with unfulfilled sexual desire, not eternal damnation. For those who cannot control their passions, marrying is the better course to avoid the temptation of adultery and fornication. This is a direct exception to the general counsel of singleness.
Paul's Singleness and Reasons
Les explains that Paul was single and wished others were like him because he expected the Lord's soon return and foresaw persecution, making singleness more practical in those times.
Marriage as a Safeguard
Les teaches that Paul's command for each man to have his own wife is to avoid temptation to promiscuity, especially in Corinth's immoral culture, thus marriage serves as a protective measure.
Avoiding Fornication
Les discusses that Paul counsels against touching a woman to avoid exciting sexual instincts, but clarifies this does not forbid marriage; instead, marriage is the proper way to avoid fornication.
Not Anti-Marriage
Les refutes the idea that Paul was anti-marriage, pointing to Hebrews and Genesis where God established marriage for replenishing the earth and enjoyment.
Context of Corinth
Les explains that the Corinthians came from paganism where marriage had little moral integrity, so they questioned whether to marry at all; Paul's response is to correct their misunderstanding.
Transition to Marriage Theme
Les introduces the theme of Christian marriage in 1 Corinthians, contrasting it with pagan views where marriage lacked sanctity.
Genesis 1:26-27: Who Are "Us"? The Trinity in Creation
The letter of Paul to the Ephesians in chapter 5, and I know over the years I've had a lot of young people in my classes, single people. And especially to the young men, I will always direct this particular portion of Scripture, because I'm of the mentality that if a home survives or doesn't survive, I blame the man.
Your Body Is the Temple of the Holy Spirit — 1 Corinthians 6:19
Now again I always have to clarify that when Paul teaches that Christ is the groom, and the bride, and there is that marriage relationship, for goodness sakes I trust that most people understand that that is merely a positional thing. It certainly is not a sexual thing, because that's going to all pass off the scene.
1 Corinthians 7:1-2: Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman. Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.
Paul establishes that while singleness is good, marriage is the remedy to avoid sexual immorality.
1 Corinthians 7:8-9: I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I. But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.
Paul directly addresses those who struggle with self-control, advising marriage as the better option than burning with desire.
No, Paul does not forbid marriage. On the contrary, for those who struggle with self-control, he advises that it is better to marry than to burn with desire. Marriage is presented as a safeguard against sexual immorality.
Les Feldick explains that 'burn' refers to burning with sexual desire, not eternal punishment. For those who cannot contain their passions, marriage is the appropriate course to avoid temptation.
Watch the Teaching: What the Bible Really Says About Marriage — 1 Corinthians 7 Explained