Originally Posted by John_C
Is there a contradiction here. Paul is saying it is best for us not to get married, but in Genesis God gives Adam a helpmate in Eve. Is marriage a hindrance in our relationship with God? Paul at least gives the impression that it is in our service to God. All of this may be light of Paul's saying that Jesus' return will be soon.
John,

Actually, Paul did not write that is "best" to not marry. The word kalos can also mean, "better" or "okay, acceptable". Thus, what he is saying is, given the current state of affairs, if you (men, women and widows) are presently unmarried, it is fine if you remain so. There is no sin in not marrying. There are some who God has given no desire to join with another in marriage and IF this is so with you, then remain unmarried.

There is no contradiction here. Paul exalts marriage (cf. Eph 5) and nowhere does he deprecate this sacred union between a man and a woman. But he also knew that not everyone had a desire to enter into marriage. With this one exception in verse 8, Paul encourages men (and women) to marry, especially if it would mean being tempted to commit fornication (sexual relations outside of marriage). In short, Paul is addressing those who are in a 'special' category of disposition concerning the desire to enter into marriage.

Hope this helps. grin

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simul iustus et peccator

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