Epiphany · Third Sunday after the Epiphany · Year B
1 Corinthians 7:29-31 (32-35)
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.
From Sermons.com: Join Today to access the most scholarly & well written preaching resources anywhere.
Take it further: 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 (32-35)
Commentary
Commentary on 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 (Working Preacher)Commentary on 1 Cor 7:29-31 (Working Preacher) Working Preacher
Reads Paul's counsel in light of living at the eschatological turn of the ages.
1 Corinthians 7 Commentary: Principles Regarding Marriage1 Cor 7 Commentary: Principles Regarding Marriage Enduring Word · David Guzik
Verse-by-verse evangelical treatment of Paul on marriage, singleness, and the present time.
1 Corinthians 7 Commentary1 Cor 7 Commentary Precept Austin
Cross-referenced compilation of expositors and word studies on the chapter.
1 Corinthians 7:29 Commentaries1 Cor 7:29 Commentaries BibleHub
Classic commentators on Paul's claim that the appointed time has grown short.
Background & Word Study
Book of 1 Corinthians Summary (Overview Video)Book of 1 Cor Summary (Overview Video) BibleProject
Animated overview of the letter's themes of unity and holiness in Corinth.
Day of the Lord (Biblical Theme Video) BibleProject
Traces the biblical Day of the Lord that shapes Paul's the time is short urgency.
1 Corinthians 7:29 Interlinear Bible1 Cor 7:29 Interlinear Bible BibleHub
Greek text with parsing and Strong's numbers for word-level study.
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
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.