Instructions relative to marriage, vs. 1-17. The Gospel was not designed to interfere with the ordinary relations of men, vs. 18-24. Concerning vir- gins and widows, 25-40.
Instructions concerni?ig marriage and other social relations. Vs. 1-24.
The Corinthians had written to the Apostle, seeking his ad- vice in reference to the state of things in their church. It appears from this chapter that one of the subjects about which they were in difficulty, and respecting which they sought di- rection, was marriage. On this subject the Apostle tells them, 1st. That, as they were situated, marriage was inexpedient to them. But as a general law every man should have his own wife, and every woman her own husband, vs. 1. 2. 2d. That the obligation of the parties to the marriage covenant is mu- tual ; the one therefore has no right to desert the other. Temporary separation, for the purpose of devotion, is allow- able ; but nothing more, vs. 3-5. 3d. What he had said either in reference to marriage or temporary separation, was not to be considered as any thing more than advice. He could only tell them what, under the circumstances, was expe- dient ; each one must act according to the grace given to him,