Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but what matters is the keeping of the commandments of God. Each person is to remain in that state in which he was called. Were you called as a slave? Do not let it concern you. But if you are also able to become free, take advantage of that. For the one who was called in the Lord as a slave, is the Lord’s freed person; likewise the one who was called as free, is Christ’s slave. You were bought for a price; do not become slaves of people. Brothers and sisters, each one is to remain with God in that condition in which he was called. (vv. 19-24)

This chapter addresses many matters, including marriage. Many Christians, especially within Reformed traditions, tend to regard Paul’s words as direct commandments from God — rules to be strictly observed. Yet we must remember that Paul is writing a letter to a church, not delivering a new law. The church on earth is but a shadow of the heavenly reality, and as such, we still wrestle with the frailties of our bodies and the challenges of earthly life.

Paul’s instructions, therefore, should be understood as pastoral guidance — practical wisdom for those who belong to Christ. To understand what Paul is trying to say here, one must understand the whole picture of God’s plan. Paul’s ultimate concern is not merely the management of earthly affairs, but the shaping of our lives as the children of God. We are not simply enduring this present age of turmoil and strife until the Kingdom arrives; rather, we are already living as citizens of that Kingdom, manifesting the life of God even now.

Marriage, then, is not only a human arrangement but a divine ordinance, given so that we might glimpse the sacred mystery of Christ and His Church. Through marriage, God teaches us covenantal love and faithfulness, and through the gift of children, He helps us understand His love for us.

God blessed them; and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” (Genesis 1:28)

Sexual desire is an innate part of our human nature, woven into us by God’s design. In many ways, it is influenced by the physical aspects of our being, including our hormones. It is God’s will that, in due time, we marry and form families, reflecting His purpose for creation. Yet some struggle with desires that feel difficult to restrain. In such cases, Paul wisely counsels that it is better to marry than to be consumed by passion, for marriage provides a holy and God-ordained context for such desires to be rightly expressed.

And He answered and said, “Have you not read that He who created them from the beginning MADE THEM MALE AND FEMALE, and said, ‘FOR THIS REASON A MAN SHALL LEAVE HIS FATHER AND HIS MOTHER AND BE JOINED TO HIS WIFE, AND THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH’? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, no person is to separate.” (vv. 4-6)

However, not everyone is ordained to marry and form a family.

For there are eunuchs who were born that way from their mother’s womb; and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by people; and there are also eunuchs who made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. The one who is able to accept this, let him accept it. (Matthew 19:12)

Then the question arises — should we marry or remain single? Every person is created purposefully by God, and each life carries its own divine calling. We must not regard marriage as a command from God, but as a gift and blessing for those to whom it is given. Likewise, singleness is also a blessing, for both the married and the unmarried have their part in the work of God within His Church.

In the end, Paul reminds us that this present world is passing away. Yet we often set our hearts too deeply on earthly matters and burden ourselves with needless anxieties. Many celebrate marriage as a great event, only to see it quickly fall apart, for the sacred meaning of marriage has been trampled by human selfishness. But all these things will fade away. Only the Word of God endures forever.

For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away; so will the coming of the Son of Man be. At that time there will be two men in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one will be left. (Matthew 24:37-41)

Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away. (Matthew 24:35)