I CORINTHIANS 7:10-12

Q:  Paul says to the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord) and then notes to the rest I say this (I, not the Lord). All scripture is supposed to be from God, but here Paul seems to be saying this is his personal opinion, not a directive from God. What is meant by this?

First, a few words concerning the fact that all scripture is from God. That statement means different things to different people. Some Christian creeds use the term “verbally inspired” (every word was intended to be there) while others prefer to state that the Bible is inerrant in all that it teaches (leaving it an open question as to what is taught and what is merely reported). We also need to distinguish the different genres in which biblical teachings are expressed. For example, in Proverbs we have a number of teachings which express general truths derived from common observations. These must be considered on a different level from, for example, the pronouncements of the Old Testament prophets or Christ's sermons.

In several passages in Acts, Paul states his opinion (which turns out to be incorrect) that he either will or won't be visiting a certain region in the future. Obviously, from these examples we would have to say that Paul's words are not inerrant regarding his future mission. God chose not to reveal those details to him. However, the I Corinthians 7 passage is a different story since Paul is clearly teaching the church. So why does he make a distinction in his two directives regarding marriage?

In his letter, Paul is responding to a series of questions posed by the Corinthian church. In doing so, he clearly distinguishes between (a) teachings he has received directly from Christ (either through direct visions, oral or written tradition) or from study of the Old Testament scripture as opposed to (b) those truths of which he is personally convinced. He carefully points out the latter instances three times in I Corinthians 7:12, 25, and 40.

In the commands to the married in 7:10, he can appeal directly to Jesus' teachings, which we have today in Matthew 5:32,19:3-9; Mark 10:11-12. However, the situation of mixed marriages was one that had not yet arisen while Jesus was still on earth. Therefore, concerning that situation, Paul cannot point to any specific revelation for his advice. But that does not mean that his words on that subject are any less authoritative. Note the following scholarly opinions regarding I Corinthians 7:12:

“his own judgment is given authoritatively.” Donald Guthrie, The New Bible Commentary: Revised

“his words carry the full weight of inspiration and apostolic authority.” Paul W. Marsh, The International Bible Commentary

“When he has no direct command, he still speaks as one who is trustworthy because he has the Spirit of God.” Gordon B. Fee, The First Epistle to the Corinthians

Fee's words come directly from scripture, as one can see by looking at the two other times in I Corinthians where Paul says he is stating his own opinion. In verse 25, Paul says, “...I give my opinion as one who by the Lord's mercy is trustworthy.” In verse 40, Paul makes further clarification of his authority to speak: “And I think that I too have the Spirit of God.”

Thus, when Paul expresses his personal opinion in Scripture, it is no different than when Peter or John give their opinion – their authority comes from Jesus calling them to be apostles, just as the Old Testament prophets received their authority to speak directly from God's call.