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JST, 1 Corinthians 7


JST, 1 Corinthians 7:1–2, 5, 26, 29–33, 38. Compare 1 Corinthians 7:1–2, 5, 26, 29–38

Paul teaches that marriage is desirable. Those called as missionaries, however, serve God better if they remain single during their ministry.

1 Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me, saying, It is good for a man not to touch a woman.

2 Nevertheless, I say, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.

5 Depart ye not one from the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.

26 I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, for a man so to remain that he may do greater good.

29 But I speak unto you who are called unto the ministry. For this I say, brethren, the time that remaineth is but short, that ye shall be sent forth unto the ministry. Even they who have wives, shall be as though they had none; for ye are called and chosen to do the Lord’s work.

30 And it shall be with them who weep, as though they wept not; and them who rejoice, as though they rejoiced not, and them who buy, as though they possessed not;

31 And them who use this world, as not using it; for the fashion of this world passeth away.

32 But I would, brethren, that ye magnify your calling. I would have you without carefulness. For he who is unmarried, careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord; therefore he prevaileth.

33 But he who is married, careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife; therefore there is a difference, for he is hindered.

38 So then he that giveth himself in marriage doeth well; but he that giveth himself not in marriage doeth better.