lectionary.com

Epiphany Season · Third Sunday in Ordinary Time · Year B

1 Corinthians 7:29-31

Marriage

January 24, 2027

Allegory of Vanity, Antonio de Pereda
Allegory of Vanity, Antonio de Pereda, c. 1632–36Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna
A winged angel rests a hand on a globe above a table crowded with skulls, armour, jewels, coins, an hourglass and a snuffed candle, all the goods of this world.Let those who buy be as though they had no possessions, and those who deal with the world as though they had no dealings with it. For the present form of this world is passing away.Antonio de PeredaA Madrid painter of the Spanish Golden Age, best known for his meditations on death and vanity.Kunsthistorisches Museum, ViennaThe Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna, built to house the Habsburg imperial collections.Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna
Roman Lectionary
GospelMark 1:14-20Mk 1:14-20
Second Reading1 Cor. 7:29-311 Cor 7:29-31
First ReadingJonah 3:1-5, 10Jon 3:1-5, 10
Responsorial PsalmPs. 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9 (4a)Ps 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9 (4a)

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.

From Sermons.com: Join Today to access the most scholarly & well written preaching resources anywhere.

Take it further: 1 Corinthians 7:29-31

Commentary

Commentary on 1 Corinthians 7:29-31Commentary on 1 Cor 7:29-31 Working Preacher

Luther Seminary reading of the shortened kairos and living lightly toward the world.

1 Corinthians 7:29-31 Commentary1 Cor 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)1 Cor 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 Commentary1 Cor 7 Commentary Precept Austin

Deep verse-by-verse notes gathering many conservative commentators on 1 Corinthians 7.

1 Corinthians 7:29 Commentaries1 Cor 7:29 Commentaries BibleHub

Aggregated classic commentaries on the appointed time having grown short.

Background & Word Study

1 Corinthians Overview1 Cor Overview BibleProject

Animated overview of Paul's letter answering the Corinthian community's questions.

1 Corinthians 7:29 Interlinear1 Cor 7:29 Interlinear BibleHub

Greek interlinear for word study of kairos and the present form of the world.

The Church Fathers

Catena on 1 Corinthians 7Catena on 1 Cor 7 Catena

Patristic comment chained to each verse of 1 Corinthians 7.

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.

Prep at sermons.com

Ready to write?

  • Full sermons on Mark 1:14-20
  • Illustrations cleared for use in worship
  • Commentary, quotes, and Bible dictionary
Open it at sermons.com →

Trusted by pastors since 1995.

Free every Tuesday

Illustrations & Sermon Prep in your inbox

The coming Sunday’s readings, a cleared-for-use illustration, and a sermon-prep head start. One email, free.