The Pulpit Commentary — 1 Corinthians — Section 244

oelibate may devote himself entirely to the Lord and his service. I do not understand the apostle to say that this is impossible in one who is married, but that human claims may come into conflict with Divine. In happy peaceful times the conflict might never arise; in days of persecution it might be severe. Note: There is here no commendation of monastic or isolated celibacy. 'l'he apostle would doubtless expect the celibate to exhibit his devotion to God very largely by works of usefulness amongst bis fellow-men ( as in the case of Paul himself). Observe: 'l'he single state is not to be sneered at. It bas special opportunities. '!'hose who adopt it from right motives are worthy of all esteem. And those who are compelled to it by circumstances, if they use its advan- tages, are to be held in honour. Frequently, however, they are considered the fittes1 ,objects for ridicule. Yet "old maids" are sometimes the best of maids. And me11 unfettered by wedded responsibilities have frequently been patterns of excellence a.n,_ usefulness. 2. Marriage is the safer condition morally. (Ver. 2.) It is freer from temptation, It is the condition apprnpriate for a large number. And let us not forget that God has so made us that the generality find their true place in the domestic circle (ver. 7). "It is not good that the man should be alone" has very extensive application. Marriage is needful for the replenishing of the earth. There are some who under any external circurustances will find it easier to serve God in the married state. Marriage is a great support aud source of strength to many. The home influence is felt wherever a man journeys, and often upholds him in good resolution, and animates him when despondent. It expands his sympathies. It draws him out of himself. Celibacy presents many perils even for those who are naturally qualified for it. 'l'endencies towards narrowness, selfishness, lack of sympathy, have to be care- fully guarded against. Domestic life of the right kind supplies an antidote. And in the home and in its duties we may truly serve God. \Vhen we rightly "care" for those near and dear to us we are offering acceptable service to the Most High. The home may and should be a true sanctuary. It will be seen that this applies chiefly to quiet times. In times of disturbance and insecurity," home" exists often only as a name, and the advantages of married life are turned into serious disadvantages. Its powers for good assume then the form of perils. Finally, whichever state we choose, we must ever remember the "shortness of the time" (ver. 29), and must not settle down in this world as though it were our abiding-place. Eternity has opened upon our view. For that we are chiefly to live. With an eye to that we must determine our conduct and choices. Time, in which we marry and are given in marriage, is but a jlasli (though it is the flash of preparation); eternity is our life.-H. Vers. 2-6, 10-11.-Marriage: its nature and duties. I. NATURE. 1. It is the union of one man and one woman. (Ver. 2.) Polygamy and polyandry are rigorously excluded from the sanction of tho Christian faith. 'l'he former was tolerated by God in early times, but never enjoined or commended. Tho first union, in Etlen, was of the Christian order. The wisdom of the dictum of Christianity has been exemplified by universal experience. All other arrangements are prolific of evils. 2. It is a unionfo1· life. (Ver. 39.) No hint is given of temporary wedlock. 3. It is a bond not to be lightly severed. (1) Not by difference of faith (vers. 12, 13). A converted husband or wilo might plausibly argue that it was undesirable to further consort with a heathen. The prohibition illustrates the permanence of the marriage bond. Continuance in the marriage state is obligatory under such circumstances. "But to the rest speak I, not the Lord," does not signify that Paul is not speaking the mind of the Lord, but that he is conveying something which Christ did not communicate whilst among men. "Yet not I, bui, the Lord," in ver. 10 means that Paul was only repeating what Christ had previously taught. '!'he apostle in ver. 14 advances an argument for the con- tinuance of such a marriage. The unbelieving one is sanctified by the believing, i.e. brought within the. covenant, within the pale of Christianity. Not saved or converted, for see ver. 16, but as all Jews were sanctified, brought under the old covenant, although "he is not a Jew which is one outwardly" (Rom. ii. 28). In this sense the children of Christian parents are" holy," and, according to the apostle's statement, equally so when one parent is heathen. (2) Not by taste or caprice (ver. 10). (3) Not by temporal exigencies (ver. 27). 'l'hese might very lawfully prevent marriage, as Paul teaches, but they could not annul it. (4) Not by anything except wilful desertion (ver. 15) and  246 THE FIRST EPISTLE TO TUE CORINTHIANS. [ea. vu. 1-40.