1 Corinthians 7:34

and is divided. So also the woman that is unmarried and the virgin is careful for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married is careful for the things of the world, how she may please her husband.

'and is divided' -'That does not mean that he is full of anxieties, but that he "cares for" both the Lord and his wife. The "division" may mean that he has less opportunity for service than is available to the unmarried.' (Fee p. 344)

Point to Note:

We should note that Paul doesn't say that this "division" is sinful. Rather, he points out the "reality" of married life, especially married life during times of distress. 'A man who is. hero in himself becomes. coward when he thinks of his widowed wife and his orphaned children.' (McGuiggan p. 117)

'So also the woman that is unmarried and the virgin' -Paul now repeats for the women what he has just said to the men.

'that she may be holy both in body and in spirit' -We should first of all note, that Paul isn't teaching that the unmarried woman is holier than the married woman. (1) Two groups of women are in this verse, "virgins" and "unmarried", i.e. widows/the divorced. (2) Marriage is. 'holy' relationship. (Hebrews 13:4), i.e. nothing about it makes one "less spiritual" in the sight of God.

The phrase probably means something like, 'is anxious to please the Lord in all she is and does.' (Tay), or 'holy in every way' (Fee p. 346) Since these woman are free from the obligations of. marriage, they can dedicate more of their time to the "direct" service of God.

'how she may please her husband' -again, nothing is wrong with that, if fact it is commanded. (Titus 2:4)

Points to Note:

1. Marriage isn't for the selfish!. God given obligation in marriage is to "please" the partner in the marriage.. "normal" marriage from God's point of view, is one in which both partners are "concerned" about "pleasing" the other.

2. 'There is nothing wrong with this divided interest; indeed, the married man (or woman) sins if he does not strive to please his wife.. am afraid that some preachers especially are going to lose their souls because they have the obligations of the married man but strive to live the life of the celibate.' (Willis p. 252)

3. To the above. would add. Don't marry, if your not going to have time for your spouse.

4. Note Paul's view of the Christian single. More time for God, more opportunities to serve God, wholly dedicated to God. Is that what we see in the church today? Writing in 1931, A.T. Robertson commented, 'But, alas, how many unmarried women (and men) are after the things of the world today and lead. fast and giddy life.' (p. 134)