1 Corinthians / Question
Paul says he wishes others could remain as he is, but recognizes different gifts from God (1 Corinthians 7:7). He says for the unmarried and widows it is good to remain single, but if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry (1 Corinthians 7:8–9).
In 1 Corinthians 7:1–7 Paul begins answering a letter the Corinthians sent him about sex and marriage. He first repeats a slogan-like statement that it is “good” not to have sexual contact, but he immediately qualifies it: marriage provides a proper setting for sexual relations, helping prevent sexual immorality. This section opens a new part of the letter where Paul responds to topics the Corinthians raised in writing (“now concerning…”), moving from earlier problems he addressed on his own initiative (like tolerating sexual wrongdoing) to their questions.
Paul shifts to answering questions the Corinthians had written to him about (verse 1). He acknowledges an ideal-sounding statement about avoiding sexual contact, but immediately speaks to real risks in Corinth and in human weakness (verses 1–2, 5). In this passage, marriage is treated as the proper setting for sexual relations (verse 2).
A careful answer keeps the immediate passage, the book's argument, and the whole-Bible storyline together, so the question is answered in context instead of as a detached idea.
Start with 1 Corinthians 7:7, then read the surrounding section so the answer stays connected to the passage's flow.
7Yet I wish that all men were like me. However each man has his own gift from God, one of this kind, and another of that kind.