What can we do when we face a major life decision, and there are only two choices: do or do not do? Both seem right. So, which one do we choose? Can we be sure that we are making the best choice?
The Corinthian congregations’ request for direction regarding virgins (25-38), especially in these three verses (36-38), falls into this life decision predicament. The limited passage deciphering is that they are asking if it is good and right for a virgin to marry, and should they marry off an engaged virgin, or should the virgin remain devoted to the Lord’s work (whether male or female, does not matter).
(If you want to study the cultural aspects of 1st-century Roman society marriage rights, go to the comments page at https://stephenricker.com/study/1corinthians/1CorinthiansStudy5comments.htm.)
The congregation went to Paul. He gave some advice. However, he left the decision up to them. Apostle Paul was not avoiding his responsibility as apostle to the Gentiles. He was deferring to the people involved because it is a case-by-case decision based on logic and emotions. As Paul reminded them in verse 25, “I have no command from the Lord.”
We all face the hard decisions, when do and do not do both seem right. How do we know which is right? If the decision is not a sin, immoral, or unethical, then it would fall under this category of life-changing, hard-to-make decisions. When we are not harming others or ourselves, it also falls under this. However, if sacrificing ourselves to help others falls under the decision, then sacrifice self for the others. This is what Jesus taught.
When Paul wrote, “If anyone thinks he is acting improperly towards the virgin…” it seems Apostle Paul is kindly saying the person needs to give up their will for the virgin’s benefit. Though a hard decision, the virgin should be allowed to marry the one they are engaged to if they so desire before they gets to far past the age their society deems they should be married. Sometimes, though there is neither a right nor a wrong decision, there is a better decision, and we choose not to make it because the best decision will hurt.
