volume 13, issue 1, 2021, pages 95-106

DOI: https://doi.org/10.64438/sbsCAMG5393
Published online: 2021-06-01
Published in print: 2021-06-30

Abstract: The contribution deals with 1 Cor 7:38b where Paul for the first time in 1 Cor 7 uses a comparative (κρεῖσσον “better”) for his evaluation of the life without marriage. Some commentaries interpret this as a summary of Paul’s position in the previous text of the chapter. However, J. A. Fitzmyer saw it only as “a solution to an isolated troubling case”. Of course the tracing of Paul’s train of thoughts in the chapter has shown that this comparative really confirms Paul’s clear preference for celibacy and virginity. However, a full commitment to the life for Christ and with Christ is always supposed.