Category: Doctrine

Dispensation of the Gospel

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1Corinthians 9:16-23 For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me. What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel. For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. And this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you. 

‘I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel.’ I have cause for glorifying since I preach the gospel without charge (9:15).

‘For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward.’ If I willingly cooperate with God I have a reward (9:25). If I fulfil my office by doing only my required duty, I have nothing to glory about. If I fulfil the office beyond the requirement of duty, I can claim special reward.

‘Dispensation’ [Greek: oikonomia] an administration; stewardship; the work of an oikonomos or steward (9:17; Luke 16:2-4; Eph. 1:10; 3:2; Col. 1:25). Five dispensations are named in Scripture: The dispensation or administration of the unjust steward (Luke 16:1-9). The dispensation of the gospel (1Cor. 9:17), which is Paul’s administration of the gospel of grace or the dispensation of the grace of God (Eph. 3:2). The dispensation of God (Col. 1:25 – God’s own administration of grace given to Paul). The dispensation of the fullness of times, in which God gathers together all things in heaven and in earth in Christ ridding the earth of all rebellion (Eph. 1:10; 1Cor. 15:24-28; Rev. 20:1-15).

Besides the dispensation of angels (Gen. 1:1; Isa. 14:12-14; Ezek. 28:11-17) and the eternal dispensation of the redeemed and faithful angels (Rev. 21-22; Isa. 66:22-24; 2Pet. 3:13), there are seven dispensations of man between the restoration of the earth from chaos (Gen. 1:3-2:25) to the New Heavens and the New Earth – The dispensations of Innocence (Gen. 3:1-24); Conscience (Gen. 4-8); Human Government (Gen. 9-11); Promise (Gen. 12:1 – Ex. 12:36); Law (Ex. 12:37 – Matt. 3); Grace (Matt. 3:1 – Rev. 19-21) and of Divine Government or the Millennium (Rev. 20:1-15).

‘For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.’ I live free from all obligations to men, yet I serve every man as if I were his personal slave. I do this to gain him.

‘I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews.’ Paul did his best to win the Jews (9:20; Rom. 9:1-3), but when it came to compromising the gospel and teaching law keeping as necessary to salvation, there he drew a line (Gal. 2:1-21).

‘To them that are without law, as without law … that I might gain them that are without law.’ I do not hold myself aloof from them, but live like them in order to gain them (Gal. 1:16; 2:2-21).

‘To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak.’ Those who had scruples and were weak in the faith I did not cause to stumble by doing things which would violate their weak conscience (8:1-13; 10:16-33; Rom. 14:1-15:3).

‘I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.’ I did everything in my power to be like those I tried to win, except to enter into sin with them (9:22-23).

Partaker of His Hope

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1Corinthians 9:9-15 For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shall not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treads out the corn. Does God take care for oxen? Or said he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that plows should plow in hope; and that he that threshes in hope should be partaker of his hope. If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ. Do you not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? Even so has the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel. But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void. 

‘Thou shall not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treads out the corn.’ Quoted from Deuteronomy 25:4. In other kinds of labour, the oxen were often muzzled. Paul used this law to encourage supporting ministers of the gospel.

‘Treads out the corn’ Threshing was sometimes done by instruments (Isa. 28:27-28), and sometimes by oxen or other animals treading on the grain on the threshing floor. Such is still common in some places in the East.

‘That he that plows should plow in hope; and that he that threshes in hope should be partaker of his hope.’ That everyone should be a partaker of his own labours (9:7-11).

‘Spiritual things’ [Greek: pneumatikos] non-carnal; religious; or spiritual. Twelve spiritual things: Man who follows the things of the Holy Spirit (2:15; 3:1; 14:37; Gal. 6:1; Hos. 9:7). Gifts of the Spirit (Rom. 1:11; 1Cor. 1:7; 12:1; 14:1, 12). Things (Rom. 15:27; 1Cor. 2:13; 9:11). Body (resurrected, 1Cor. 15:44-46). Blessings of the Spirit (Eph. 1:3). Songs (religious, Eph. 5:19). Wisdom and knowledge (Col. 1:9). House (spiritual people, 1Pet. 2:5). Sacrifices (1Pet. 2:5). Law, because it typified the spiritual thing of the New Testament (Rom. 7:14). Meat and drink, typifying Christ the Spiritual Rock of 1Corinthians 10:3-4. Wickedness, because it is of evil spirit origin (Eph. 2:2; 6:12; John 8:44).

‘Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.’ This is Paul’s explanation why he supported himself at Corinth. He supported himself partly by working while starting the Thessalonians’ congregation and partly through help from Philippi (2Thess. 3:7-9). Imagine being a partaker of all that Paul has sown through his work for God in the lives of the congregations where he laboured as well as being the author of no less than 14 books of the New Testament (Romans to Hebrew). ‘They which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar.’ The officers of the temple had a right to support when they gave their time in the temple service. They were two classes: those who ministered in holy things and those who waited on the altar. This was ordained by God, and so it is ordained by God that gospel ministers should be supported by those who receive the gospel (9:11-15; Gal. 6:6; Heb. 7:1-11; Luke 10:7; Matt. 10:10).

As the Brethren of the Lord

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1Corinthians 9:5-8 Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas? Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working? Who goes a warfare any time at his own charges? who planted a vineyard, and eats not of the fruit thereof? or who feeds a flock, and eats not of the milk of the flock? Say I these things as a man? or said not the law the same also? 

‘Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas?’ Have we not the same right to be married as Peter, the Lord’s brethren, and the other apostles? We have consecrated to live controlled for your sakes and yet we are criticized by you (9:3-6). This is decisive proof against the celibacy of the clergy and the papal doctrine of having holy women minister to the needs of celibate ministers. Had the apostles permitted young women or wives of others to accompany them as personal servants instead of their own wives it would have produced continuous scandal.

‘As the brethren of the Lord’ – according to Hebrews 2:11 is Christ the great Sanctifier, who sets apart and consecrates men to the service of God. They who are sanctified or thus consecrated and set apart to the service of God, are all one, in the same family, and called brethren (1Pet. 5:9). The body of Christ or His followers known as Christians are referred to in the masculine form because we represent Christ. In the Old Testament Israel was referred to in the feminine form because they were in a covenant relationship as the wife of God. Israel is often spoken of as a woman and as the wife of Jehovah (Isa. 54:4-6). This wife of Jehovah is the woman of Revelation 12:1-17. Here God speaks of forsaking her for the moment because of her sins, but He will again bring her back to Himself to remain thus forever (Isa. 54:4-10). This is a truth that is greatly enlarged upon in Hosea.

‘Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working.’ Are we the only apostles that have no right to be supported by the congregation? Four things are clear here: Barnabas adopted Paul’s method of supporting himself (cp. Acts 4:36-37). Apostles in general were supported by the congregations, not by secular labour. Paul and Barnabas had a trade by which they could support themselves. They chose to support themselves in certain places so as not to hinder the founding of a congregation (9:12-15).

‘Charges’ [Greek: opsonion] soldier’s rations. Wages (Luke 3:14; Rom. 6:23; 2Cor. 11:8). The answer to all these questions of 1Corinthians 9:7-8 are self-evident.

Work in the Lord

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1Corinthians 9:1-4 Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not you my work in the Lord? If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are you in the Lord. Mine answer to them that do examine me is this, Have we not power to eat and to drink? 

‘Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not you my work in the Lord?’ There were some in Corinth who questioned Paul’s apostleship (9:1-3).

‘Apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not you my work in the Lord.’ Nine arguments proving Paul’s apostleship: His claim of being an apostle (9:1). His claim to freedom from all secular and religious bondage, enabling him to be completely devoted to the apostleship (9:1). His claim of seeing Jesus (9:1; 15:8). The very existence of the Corinthian congregation and their conversion from heathenism proved his apostleship (9:1-2; Acts 18:1-28). His consecration to abnormal human living so as to preach (9:3-6). His unselfish devotion to the apostleship without pay (9:7-15). His divine obligation to fulfil his call to the apostleship (9:16-18). His devoted service to all people to win them to the gospel (9:19-23). His qualifications for the apostleship and the Christian race (9:24-27).

‘Seal’ [Greek: sphragis] It was a figure cut in stone and set in a ring by which letters of authority were stamped. Greeks excelled in this kind of engraving. Paul used this figure to express the fact that their own conversion was proof of his apostolic authority.

‘Have we not power to eat and to drink? Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas? Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working? Who goes a warfare any time at his own charges? who plants a vineyard, and eats not of the fruit thereof? or who feeds a flock, and eats not of the milk of the flock? Say I these things as a man? or said not the law the same also?’ Have we not power to eat and drink at the expense of the congregations we have founded? If others receive your support, are we not worthy also of support? We have not used this right as others (9:12-15). Paul supported himself partly by working while starting the Thessalonians’ congregation and partly through help from Philippi (2Thess. 3:7-9). He refers to their gift as a sweet aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God. “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” This promise is still true to those who are in Christ and who are faithful to God in tithing’s as the Philippians were (Php. 4:14-18). Imagine being a partaker of all that Paul has sown through his work for God in the lives of the congregations where he laboured as well as being the author of no less than 14 books of the New Testament (Romans to Hebrew).

Liberty .. Become A Stumbling Block

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1Corinthians 8:8-13 But meat commends us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse. But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to them that are weak. For if any man see thee which has knowledge sit at meat in the idol’s temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols; And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? But when you sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world stands, lest I make my brother to offend. 

‘Take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.’ Take heed that you do not attend such feasts to idols even though you are convinced that an idol is nothing. This liberty may cause another to stumble who still believes that idols are something very real. He does not have your knowledge so he will commit sin if he follows your example (8:9-13).

‘Weak’ [Greek: asthenes] without strength (Rom. 5:6) weak (Matt. 26:41; Mark 14:38; 1Cor. 1:27; 4:10; 8:7, 10; 9:22; 11:30; 2Cor. 10:10; Gal. 4:9; 1Thess. 5:14; 1Pet. 3:7); weakness (1Cor. 1:25; Heb. 7:18); feeble (1Cor. 12:22); impotent (Acts 4:9); and sick (Matt. 25:39, 43, 44; Luke 10:9; Acts 5:15-16). Here it means weak in the faith, not diseased, as in many other places.

‘Emboldened’ [Greek: oikodomeo] to build up, as in 1Corinthians 8:1. Such an example will build up the weak brother to follow the practice of the strong, whereas the act of liberty will cause his edifice to come tumbling down and he will perish (8:11).

‘Perish’ [Greek: apollumi] to destroy, perish, or be lost, as in Matthew 10:28; to kill (Matt. 2:13; 12:14); torment (Matt. 8:29; Mark 1:24); mar (Mark 2:22); lose (Matt. 10:6, 39, 42); be lost (John 17:12; 2Cor. 4:3); perish or die (Matt. 8:25); and to ruin (Matt. 9:17), but never to annihilate.

‘But when you sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ.’ By causing a brother to be lost you sin against Christ and defeat the purpose of His sacrificial death.

‘Wound’ [Greek: tupto] to strike or smite the heart (8:12); to beat (Luke 12:45; 22:64; Acts 18:17; 21:32); and to smite (Matt. 24:49; 27:30; Mark 15:19; Luke 6:29; 18:13; 23:48; Acts 23:2-3). ‘Offend’ [Greek: skandalizo] to cast a snare before one so as to destroy him (8:13; Rom. 14:21; 2Cor. 11:29; Matt. 5:29-30; 18:6-9).

One God

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1Corinthians 8:4-7 As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one. For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled. 

‘As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.’ Two schools, the Karaites and Traditionists, caused controversy amongst the early Christians. The Karaites held to the letter of the Jewish law, teaching that it was unlawful to receive any benefit from heathen worship or from anything that had been offered to an idol. It was unlawful to buy or sell an idol or meats offered to idols. The Traditionists maintained that they could use such meat provided that the sign of the idol was not stamped upon it. A sign could be placed upon the animal before it was sacrificed to the idol, such as gilded horns and hoofs, garlands, etc. When it was killed and sold in the shop such marks could not be seen so the Karaites had scrupled about all meat not knowing what had been sacrificed to idols or killed for common use. Those who had knowledge that idols and meats offered to them meant nothing had any scruple against buying and using such meat.

‘Whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many).’ Not only images, but the sun, moon, stars, oceans, rivers, trees and all other things in creation were used as gods by the heathen.

‘One God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.’ Here is another indisputable reference to the fact that God the Father is one person and Jesus Christ the Son of the Father is another person. This no more excludes Jesus from the Godhead than it excludes the Father from Lordship. Both are God and Lord (John 1:1; 1Jn. 5:7).

‘For some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.’ Some Jews held to certain rites of the law and some Gentiles held to certain heathen rites when they accepted Christianity. All these differences had to be dealt with and true knowledge gained before perfect harmony between converts could be maintained. Hence, the sound advice in 1Corinthians 8:1-13; 10:16-33; Colossians 2:14-17 and Romans 14:1-15:3. ‘Conscience’ [Greek: suneidesis] conviction or being conscious of a custom. Some had done this all their lives and still regarded sacrifices to idols as real acts of worship, not having true knowledge that idols were nothing. For such to take part in eating meat offered to an idol was to defile the conscience.

Knowledge Puffs Up

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1Corinthians 8:1-3 Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but charity edifies. And if any man think that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know. But if any man love God, the same is known of him. 

‘Now as touching things offered unto idols’ – Idolatry was the next question the Corinthians asked advice about from Paul.

Thirteen main arguments of Paul: Knowledge is fundamental (8:1-3). Idols are not real gods (8:4-5). There is but one God (8:4-6). People, not idols, are of God (8:6). All people do not have knowledge (8:7). Problems arise from ignorance and a weak conscience (8:7). Meats being offered to idols do not defile the meats themselves (8:8). Meats do not make any difference in our relationship to God (8:8). Knowledge and liberty can become stumbling blocks to the weak (8:9). The example of the strong could cause the weak to commit sin (8:10). Persons thus emboldened to commit sin will perish regardless of Christ’s death for them (8:11). By causing weak brothers to perish, the strong also commit sin (8:12). The strong must set the proper example for the weak to save themselves as well as the weak (8:13).

‘We know that we all have knowledge.’ The idea here is that we who are converted to Christianity have sufficient knowledge concerning idols and idol worship. We also know that we are not bound by Jewish rites and ceremonies, but some may carry their knowledge and liberty too far and do that which is not best for the cause of Christ.

‘Knowledge’ – the Corinthians were puffed up by their knowledge and liberty in Christ and condemned others. It made them bold, rash, and careless regarding the consciences of others not enlightened.

‘Puffed up’ [Greek: phusioo] puffed up or proud (4:6, 18-19; 5:2; 8:1; 13:4). So many people become full of themselves as they gain knowledge on certain things – proud people are an abomination to God for their knowledge fills them only with pride and not with wisdom (1Cor. 1-3). Knowledge of the Word of God also puffs up, because without implementing the truths and obeying the commands, your faith is of no value and your knowledge is only knowledge and not wisdom (Jas. 1:19-27).

‘Charity edifies’ – Love builds up. It has no quality to puff up or tear down as does knowledge. It can only be constructive since it is of God (13:1-13). ‘And if any man think that he knows any thing, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know.’ The person who acts in a rash, proud way knows nothing as he ought to know. If he torments his brother’s weak and tender conscience with his food and conduct he does not love God or his brother as he should (Matt. 22:36-40).

Let Them Marry

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1Corinthians 7:36-40 But if any man think that he behave himself uncomely toward his virgin, if she pass the flower of her age, and need so require, let him do what he will, he sinned not: let them marry. Nevertheless he that stands steadfast in his heart, having no necessity, but has power over his own will, and has so decreed in his heart that he will keep his virgin, does well. So then he that gives her in marriage does well; but he that gives her not in marriage does better. The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband lives; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord. But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God. 

‘Uncomely toward his virgin, if she pass the flower of her age, and need so require, let him do what he will, he sins not: let them marry.’ In the early times among both Jews and Christians the daughters were wholly in the power of the father, so that he might give them in marriage or bind them to perpetual virginity. If the father had devoted his daughter to perpetual virginity, and afterwards found that she had her affection centred upon a man, being strongly inclined to marry, he could change his plans regarding her virginity and give her in marriage at any time, even after the flower of her age. He would not be committing sin by changing his plans for her. ‘His virgin’ – this will be his virgin daughter, not a sweetheart.

‘If she pass the flower of her age.’ If she is of full age to marry, which was at a very young age as was the Eastern culture for women.

‘And need so require’ – If she wants to get married instead of being a perpetual virgin. Sometimes the conditions of 1Corinthians 7:8-9 enter into the picture.

‘Let him do what he will, he sinned not: let them marry.’ Let the father of the virgin do what he knows is best for his daughter under the circumstances, regardless of how he has already planned her life. He is free from all former plans and vows.

‘Nevertheless he that stands steadfast in his heart, having no necessity, but has power over his own will, and has so decreed in his heart that he will keep his virgin, does well.’ If the father finds it unnecessary to change his plans, it being unnecessary to betroth his virgin daughter, because of her being inclined not to marry and wanting to consecrate both body and spirit, as in 1Corinthians 7:34, then let him keep his daughter from marriage.

‘So then he that gives her in marriage does well; but he that gives her not in marriage does better.’ This explains 1Corinthians 7:36-37 and proves that it is a father who gives or does not give his virgin daughter in marriage. ‘Wife is bound by the law as long as her husband lives; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.’ Evidently this verse is in answer to a question of the Corinthians about a woman whose husband was dead. Should she remarry? Paul gave the Christian law on this and laid down a restriction that she remarries only a Christian man, not a heathen. He then gave the advice that she would be happier if she remained single in view of the present conditions in the world for Christians (7:40). Paul by no means contended for celibacy, but gave sound advice for the present distress.

Without Carefulness

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1Corinthians 7:32-35 But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried cares for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord: But he that is married cares for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife. There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman cares for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married cares for the things of the world, how she may please her husband. And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that you may attend upon the Lord without distraction. 

‘Without carefulness’ – Carefulness is a characteristic of being cautious, thoughtful, or prudent. When you write “fragile” on a package, you’re hoping it will be handled with care. Acting without thinking things through is carelessness. You can think of carelessness as negligence, a failure to pay close attention or carefully consider the possible ramifications of your actions. Paul is warning against such an attitude that can turn out disastrous.

‘He that is unmarried cares for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord.’ The single man or woman can attend to the things of the Lord without distraction (7:32, 34).

‘He that is married cares for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife.’ The married man or woman has many responsibilities in caring for their family and household (7:33-34).

‘Holy’ [Greek: hagios] devoted; holy; pure. Here it means that she may be devoted to God and pure in both body and spirit so that she may attend to the things of God without distraction (7:34-35). ‘I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you.’ Paul gives a warning that will benefit those who fall in the noted categories and not to ensnare them. This is what a godly warning should consist of, it must be for the hearer’s benefit and not something that will entrap them.

Trouble in the Flesh

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1Corinthians 7:25-31 Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that has obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful. I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, I say, that it is good for a man so to be. Are thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Are thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife. But and if thou marry, thou have not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she has not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you. But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remains, that both they that have wives be as though they had none; And they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not; And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passes away. 

‘Virgins’ [Greek: parthenos] a pure, unmarried young woman. This was another subject that the Corinthians had asked Paul about.

‘That this is good for the present distress, I say, that it is good for a man so to be.’ Paul’s advice here was for the present distress or persecutions of Christians. They were at the mercy of their enemies with no state protection as we have today. On this account it would be better for unmarried persons to remain single.

‘Are thou bound unto a wife? … Are thou loosed from a wife?’ This means to be married (bound) or divorced (loosed) from a wife or husband on legal and scriptural grounds. Because of the “present distress” of that day the advice was: “seek not a wife;” but if you do marry you have not sinned (7:27-28).

‘Time is short: it remains, that both they that have wives be as though they had none …’ this is the 9th New Testament prophecy in 1Corinthians (verses 29-31). This predicts the immediate persecution of Christians which Nero was then preparing.

‘Trouble in the flesh’ most marriages are not pleasant or easy because of the partners’ selfishness or unsaved state where everyone today only lives for themselves without consideration for others. Because of impending persecutions: Let all people be without anxiety concerning families, property, and the world in general (7:32-33). Let the married live as though not married (7:29). Let those who weep act as though they wept not (7:30). Let those who rejoice act as though they did not rejoice. Let those who buy live as though they did not possess. Let those who use this world make proper use of it, for the very fashion of it will soon pass away (7:31; 1Jn. 2:17). The way rituals and rites are done on earth will pass away and have no eternal value (1Jn. 2:15-17).