Epiphany Season · Third Sunday in Ordinary Time · Year B
1 Corinthians 7:29-31
Marriage
January 24, 2027
Overview & Insights
“The appointed time has grown very short... for the present form of this world is passing away.” (1 Corinthians 7:29, 31)
Although Paul’s discussion on sexual immorality in chapter 6 makes the transition to his discussion on sexual obligations in marriage smooth, chapter 7 introduces a new section that continues through 11:1. After his extended discussion of the Corinthian Christ followers’ troublesome allegiance to their culture in the first six chapters, Paul will now address specific questions and issues that have come to him in a letter from the Corinthian church (7:1). He moves from a rather stern corrective, reproaching tone (they should have known better) to a pastorally informative tone. Put differently, Paul is moving from pointing out significant errors in their thinking to dealing with issues that are not necessarily black and white but require deeper spiritual insight and pastoral guidance. Historical and Cultural Background Most Roman marriages were arranged by families for the purpose of enhancing status and family wealth.
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Commentary
Commentary on 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 Working Preacher
Luther Seminary reading of the shortened kairos and living lightly toward the world.
1 Corinthians 7:29-31 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching
Reformed take on Paul's urgency as the present form of the world passes away.
1 Corinthians 7 (Enduring Word Bible Commentary) Enduring Word · David Guzik
Verse-by-verse evangelical study of Paul's counsel on singleness, marriage, and the time.
1 Corinthians 7 Commentary Precept Austin
Deep verse-by-verse notes gathering many conservative commentators on 1 Corinthians 7.
1 Corinthians 7:29 Commentaries BibleHub
Aggregated classic commentaries on the appointed time having grown short.
Background & Word Study
1 Corinthians Overview BibleProject
Animated overview of Paul's letter answering the Corinthian community's questions.
1 Corinthians 7:29 Interlinear BibleHub
Greek interlinear for word study of kairos and the present form of the world.
First Corinthians (Enter the Bible) Enter the Bible
Luther Seminary book introduction covering context, outline, and themes of 1 Corinthians.
The Church Fathers
Questions preachers ask
What is Paul urging in 1 Corinthians 7?
Because the time is short and the world is passing, Paul calls Christians to hold their earthly circumstances loosely, living as those whose deepest attachment is to the Lord who is near.
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