what does 1 corinthians 7:29-31 mean?

[waitasec]

29 What I mean, brothers and sisters, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they do not; 30 those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; 31 those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away.

are the followers of christ to:
abstain from sex with their spouse, and if they are not married, they are to stop looking for a spouse?
are they to not mourn the loss of a loved one, seek entertainment or invest for future prospects, because these things are of the world and the time is short...

imagine if they actually did these things for the last 2 thousand yrs....

so if it doesn't mean these things then what does it mean?

 

[Astrid000]

29 What I mean, brothers and sisters, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they do not; 30 those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; 31 those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away.

are the followers of christ to:
abstain from sex with their spouse, and if they are not married, they are to stop looking for a spouse?
are they to not morn the loss of a loved one, seek entertainment or invest for future prospects, because these things are of the world and the time is short...

imagine if they actually did these things for the last 2 thousand yrs....

so if it doesn't mean these things then what does it mean?

This passage was writen to the especially chosen. Many were acceptable to God but were no called disciples and especially chosen for calling. The bible calls the multitudes "The OTHER sheep". However, THE sheep, were called to go and preach the word throughout the world, meaning they would leave loved ones behind.

The passage is simply indentifying that Gods work should come first. In those days the preaching work was very important. If the preaching work did not reach the masses prophecy would not be made known, the new scriptures would not have been written and our dating would not be based on the birth of Christ etc, the Jews would not have known to flee Jerusalem during the Roman invasion, when there was a short break in the attack. Of course those that did not take the word of Jesus as truth did not flee and were killed. This was prohesied and came to be.

There were no cars, so the preachers would be away from their homes for ages at a time and not properly fullfilling their duty to family. Paul was highlighting this. This would be a burden to their conscience, and something they need to think about before they marry.

If you read further the meaning become more clear.

 

[Oneatatime]

Maybe they were expecting the second coming?

 

[outhouse]

This passage was writen to the especially chosen. Many were acceptable to God but were no called disciples and especially chosen for calling. The bible calls the multitudes "The OTHER sheep". However, THE sheep, were called to go and preach the word throughout the world, meaning they would leave loved ones behind.

The passage is simply indentifying that Gods work should come first. In those days the preaching work was very important. If the preaching work did not reach the masses prophecy would not be made known, the new scriptures would not have been written and our dating would not be based on the birth of Christ etc, the Jews would not have known to flee Jerusalem during the Roman invasion, when there was a short break in the attack. Of course those that did not take the word of Jesus as truth did not flee and were killed. This was prohesied and came to be.

There were no cars, so the preachers would be away from their homes for ages at a time and not properly fullfilling their duty to family. Paul was highlighting this. This would be a burden to their conscience, and something they need to think about before they marry.

If you read further the meaning become more clear.

really a pretty good explanation

next time you might add that they were also preaching the end was near, that is reflected more then anyhing else, this put more urgency on getting the message out there

 

[outhouse]

Maybe they were expecting the second coming?

exactly how i read it

 

[outhouse]

are the followers of christ to:
abstain from sex with their spouse, and if they are not married, they are to stop looking for a spouse?

they make it pretty clear they are beyond physical pleasure with the world about to end and the important job of saving souls weighted upon them.

imagine if they actually did these things for the last 2 thousand yrs....

A good point your making on a few different levels

 

[Oneatatime]

exactly how i read it

Doomsday cults often make these kinds of claims. Now that its apparant that the end isn't coming anytime soon Christians and the like are generally less enthusiatic about preparing for it.

 

[outhouse]

Doomsday cults often make these kinds of claims. Now that its apparant that the end isn't coming anytime soon Christians and the like are generally less enthusiatic about preparing for it.

true

they write in much later lol "no one knows but god when or if it will happen" to cover their hineys as back up.

they have been riding that whales tail for a long time now

 

[waitasec]

true

they write in much later lol "no one knows but god when or if it will happen" to cover their hineys as back up.

they have been riding that whales tail for a long time now

well, we still have october to look forward too...

 

[Willamena]

A commentary:

1 Corinthians 7 - Matthew Henry’s Commentary - Bible Commentary

 

[waitasec]

A commentary:

1 Corinthians 7 - Matthew Henry’s Commentary - Bible Commentary

here is the quote from that link: emphasis by me

Considering the distress of those times, the unmarried state was best.
for christians or everyone?

Notwithstanding, the apostle does not condemn marriage. How opposite are those to the apostle Paul who forbid many to marry, and entangle them with vows to remain single, whether they ought to do so or not! He exhorts all Christians to holy indifference toward the world. As to relations; they must not set their hearts on the comforts of the state

because...."the time is short" and "this world in its present form is passing away."

As to afflictions; they must not indulge the sorrow of the world: even in sorrow the heart may be joyful. As to worldly enjoyments; here is not their rest. As to worldly employment; those that prosper in trade, and increase in wealth, should hold their possessions as though they held them not. As to all worldly concerns; they must keep the world out of their hearts, that they may not abuse it when they have it in their hands.

this is reprehensible behavior...
paul says:
32 I would like you to be free from concern.


All worldly things are show; nothing solid. All will be quickly gone. [/quote}
define "quickly"
seems to me words are gonna become redefined in order to justify goal posts being repositioned

Wise concern about worldly interests is a duty; but to be full of care, to have anxious and perplexing care, is a sin. By this maxim the apostle solves the case whether it were advisable to marry. That condition of life is best for every man, which is best for his soul, and keeps him most clear of the cares and snares of the world.
who needs to be told that?


Let us reflect on the advantages and snares of our own condition in life; that we may improve the one, and escape as far as possible all injury from the other.

And whatever cares press upon the mind, let time still be kept for the things of the Lord.
how? if we are to be free from concern because "the time is short" and "this world in its present form is passing away."

well thats my take...

 

[Willamena]

here is the quote from that link: emphasis by me

Considering the distress of those times, the unmarried state was best.
for christians or everyone?

He's addressing his audience, responding to questions that had been asked earlier.

"1Now concerning the matters about which you wrote..."

Notwithstanding, the apostle does not condemn marriage. How opposite are those to the apostle Paul who forbid many to marry, and entangle them with vows to remain single, whether they ought to do so or not! He exhorts all Christians to holy indifference toward the world. As to relations; they must not set their hearts on the comforts of the state

because...."the time is short" and "this world in its present form is passing away."

Yes: the times, they are a'changin'.

As to afflictions; they must not indulge the sorrow of the world: even in sorrow the heart may be joyful. As to worldly enjoyments; here is not their rest. As to worldly employment; those that prosper in trade, and increase in wealth, should hold their possessions as though they held them not. As to all worldly concerns; they must keep the world out of their hearts, that they may not abuse it when they have it in their hands.

this is reprehensible behavior...
paul says:
32 I would like you to be free from concern.

It says, in brief, lighten up, don't take unnecessary worries on yourself. How is that reprehensible?

All worldly things are show; nothing solid. All will be quickly gone. [/quote}
define "quickly"
seems to me words are gonna become redefined in order to justify goal posts being repositioned

Quickly, as in a in a short period of time.

Wise concern about worldly interests is a duty; but to be full of care, to have anxious and perplexing care, is a sin. By this maxim the apostle solves the case whether it were advisable to marry. That condition of life is best for every man, which is best for his soul, and keeps him most clear of the cares and snares of the world.
who needs to be told that?

Perhaps, people who asked.

Let us reflect on the advantages and snares of our own condition in life; that we may improve the one, and escape as far as possible all injury from the other.

And whatever cares press upon the mind, let time still be kept for the things of the Lord.
how? if we are to be free from concern because "the time is short" and "this world in its present form is passing away."

well thats my take...

By "how?" do you mean to suggest there's no time to do it?

 

[jojo50]

really a pretty good explanation

next time you might add that they were also preaching the end was near, that is reflected more then anyhing else, this put more urgency on getting the message out there

i totally agree with you, this was especially peaching about this system coming to an end, verse 31 shows this. peace

 

[waitasec]

[/COLOR]
[/COLOR] He's addressing his audience, responding to questions that had been asked earlier.

"1Now concerning the matters about which you wrote..."

right.

Yes: the times, they are a'changin'.

and what change were they expecting if it wasn't the return of their savior?

It says, in brief, lighten up, don't take unnecessary worries on yourself. How is that reprehensible?

are matters of sex within a marriage, looking for a mate, mourning those you lost and not investing for your future unnecessary worries?

Quickly, as in a in a short period of time.

so in a quick period of time somethings gonna change, wonder what he's talking about...?:sarcastic

Perhaps, people who asked.

and why would someone ask that? could it be they were expecting something to happen quickly, something that would change and cause these people to not worry about marriage, getting married, mourning, entertainment and investment?

By "how?" do you mean to suggest there's no time to do it?

they ran out of time it seems... waiting
as people who were living sexless marriages, or were bound to be bachelors for a short time, who didn't care if their dear old uncle thomas died and didn't look forward to an earthly future...

 

[Twig pentagram]

29 What I mean, brothers and sisters, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they do not; 30 those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; 31 those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away.

are the followers of christ to:
abstain from sex with their spouse, and if they are not married, they are to stop looking for a spouse?
are they to not mourn the loss of a loved one, seek entertainment or invest for future prospects, because these things are of the world and the time is short...

imagine if they actually did these things for the last 2 thousand yrs....

so if it doesn't mean these things then what does it mean?

Sounds like a failed prophecy to me.

 

[sojourner]

29 What I mean, brothers and sisters, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they do not; 30 those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; 31 those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away.

are the followers of christ to:
abstain from sex with their spouse, and if they are not married, they are to stop looking for a spouse?
are they to not mourn the loss of a loved one, seek entertainment or invest for future prospects, because these things are of the world and the time is short...

imagine if they actually did these things for the last 2 thousand yrs....

so if it doesn't mean these things then what does it mean?

Paul believed in an immanent parousia. Therefore, he stressed the work of the kingdom over temporal concerns.

 

[waitasec]

Paul believed in an immanent parousia. Therefore, he stressed the work of the kingdom over temporal concerns.

would you consider; sex with in marriage, looking for a mate, mourning the loss of a love one, wanting to be happy and investing in your future (here on earth) temporal concerns for the here and now, which is what we all experience?


edit:
never mind...i see now what you mean

 

[Willamena]

and what change were they expecting if it wasn't the return of their savior?

I don't know the particulars of the "crisis," but I've no reason to assume they are not talking about historical "times". Nothing in the commentaries of First Corinthians that I've read indicate "doom and gloom" predictions.

An Overview Of The Book Of 1 Corinthians*

are matters of sex within a marriage, looking for a mate, mourning those you lost and not investing for your future unnecessary worries?

If you're worrying unnecessarily, then yes.

I rather think Paul's point is that faith and a right relationship to the world can put your mind at ease.

so in a quick period of time somethings gonna change, wonder what he's talking about...?:sarcastic

Life itself, our time spent here on Earth, is what is short. His messages are about "you can't take it with you," and that wallowing in everyday difficulties of money and marriage is fruitless in the grand scheme of things. His message, in a nutshell, is "Don't worry. Be happy."

"Since the time is short, don't let your life be devoted to the affairs of this life, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31"

and why would someone ask that? could it be they were expecting something to happen quickly, something that would change and cause these people to not worry about marriage, getting married, mourning, entertainment and investment?

They (the church of Corinth) were being comforted because things were changing.

they ran out of time it seems... waiting
as people who were living sexless marriages, or were bound to be bachelors for a short time, who didn't care if their dear old uncle thomas died and didn't look forward to an earthly future...

You mean... "end of days" happened then?

 

[waitasec]

I don't know the particulars of the "crisis," but I've no reason to assume they are not talking about historical "times". Nothing in the commentaries of First Corinthians that I've read indicate "doom and gloom" predictions.

An Overview Of The Book Of 1 Corinthians*


If you're worrying unnecessarily, then yes.

I rather think Paul's point is that faith and a right relationship to the world can put your mind at ease.


Life itself, our time spent here on Earth, is what is short. His messages are about "you can't take it with you," and that wallowing in everyday difficulties of money and marriage is fruitless in the grand scheme of things. His message, in a nutshell, is "Don't worry. Be happy."

"Since the time is short, don't let your life be devoted to the affairs of this life, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31"


They (the church of Corinth) were being comforted because things were changing.


You mean... "end of days" happened then?

i still don't buy it. paul is telling the church in corinth that the end is near which is why they should not worry about these things (sex, getting married, mourning, being happy and investing for the future) because, "this world in its present form is passing away."

 

[Willamena]

...because, "this world in its present form is passing away."

It still is. I don't think that's the point, though.