The Holy Priest-Martyr Athenogenes and His Ten Disciples (284-305)
1 Corinthians 7:24-35; Matthew 15:12-21
Read 1 Corinthians 7:24-35
Some have stated that this passage from Paul’s letter to the Corinthians indicates that he has a negative view of sex. However, this cannot be true especially in light of what Paul writes to the Ephesians on how the marriage of a man and woman is an icon of that marriage between Christ, the Bridegroom, and the Church, the Bride (see Ephesians 5:21-33; the Epistle reading for the Service of Crowning in all Byzantine Churches). Why then does Paul seem to be stressing the single life?
There is a sense of urgency in Paul’s words. As Christ has ascended to the right hand of the Father, and the Holy Spirit has descended upon the Church for her to continue the mission of the Son, Paul knows that the Final Judgment is drawing near. His desire is that ALL Christians keep this in mind. In all things, Christians must have a focus on the Kingdom of God. Regarding the world, Christians must have a sober spirit, that is, no matter what may arise, nothing will upset that focus, that vision, toward the kingdom.
Paul is not advocating that no one should be married. Rather, if one marries, then even in marriage that focus of the spouses must be not to the things of this world but toward the Kingdom. Each spouse becomes a path of holiness for the other. Even the begetting of children has in its end the Kingdom.
It is a radical view. But it is to be expected because Christians are a radical people. We believe and live as a Body in a way that is foolish to the world and wise to the Lord.