1 Corinthians 13

1 Corinthians 13:2

They that use this world, as not abusing it. We all have to use the world; but we must not “misuse” it. That is the charge here.

1 Corinthians 13:3

I would have you without carefulness. That is, I would have you free from the causes which bring cares.

1 Corinthians 13:5

There is difference [also] between a wife and a virgin, etc. The sole thought of the unmarried person who is consecrated to Christ is to please Christ.

1 Corinthians 13:6

This I speak for your own profit, not that I may cast a snare. Not to interfere with your freedom to marry. A snare thrown over the head made the victim helpless. Paul merely advises what, under the circumstances of that period, seemed most prudent.

1 Corinthians 13:7

But if any man think. While giving a judgment in favor of the unmarried state, at that time, he gives full liberty. A man may give his daughter in marriage. That he behaveth himself uncomely to his virgin. Improperly in withholding her from marriage. If she hath passed the flower of [her] age. If she is fully matured. And need so require. If circumstances of any kind seem to require her marriage.

1 Corinthians 13:8

He that standeth steadfast in his heart, having no necessity. If no need makes marriage necessary, and the purpose that she remain unmarried continues steadfast, he does well to let her remain so. To choose either course is well, but the last is the better, where circumstances permit (1 Corinthians 7:36), on account of “the present distress” (1 Corinthians 7:26).

1 Corinthians 13:10

The wife is bound by the law, etc. One point remains to be discussed, viz., The remarriage of widows. I suppose that the letter of inquiry asked about this. She is at liberty to be married to whom she will. In case of her husband’s death, she is free from the marriage bond, and can marry whom she will, with one limitation–she must marry only in the Lord; that is, a Christian. An alien marriage is prohibited. Indeed, so far was an ancient Christian from marrying an unbeliever that the question actually arose whether, when the sinner was converted, he could still live with an unconverted partner. See 1 Corinthians 7:12-14.

1 Corinthians 13:11

But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment. In his judgment, and in the conditions then prevailing, she will consult her happiness by remaining a widow. It is not only his judgment, but the Spirit seems to point the same lesson. 1 Timothy 5:14 might be supposed to conflict with this, but it does not, when we remember that Paul’s advice here is due to prevailing circumstances. The question of marriage or remarriage is one of prudential considerations.

1 Corinthians 13:13

The Duty of the String Toward Weaker Brethren SUMMARY OF I CORINTHIANS 8: Meat Offered in Idol Temples. Not Changed Because So Offered. But Not to Be Eaten Because of Weaker Brethren. Those Having Knowledge Must Act in Love. As touching things offered to idols. Corinth, like all Greek cities, was full of temples to heathen idols. At their altars victims were constantly sacrificed, the flesh of which was afterwards eaten. The question arose whether a Christian could eat of such flesh without the sin of showing deference to an idol. Perhaps the letter to Paul had asked about this matter (1 Corinthians 7:1). We all have knowledge. Some pleaded their knowledge that “an idol was nothing” (1 Corinthians 8:4), not divine in any sense. Paul tells them that the question is one, not of knowledge, but of charity. Knowledge puffeth up. Those who professed to be knowing ones put on an air of superiority.