Big Idea: Husbands and wives must protect each other from sexual temptation and recognize their obligation to take care of each other’s sexual needs. They are co-owners of each other’s bodies.

Understanding the Text

Although Paul’s discussion on sexual immorality in chapter 6 makes the transition to his discussion on sexual obligations in marriage smooth, chapter 7 introduces a new section that continues through 11:1. After his extended discussion of the Corinthian Christ followers’ troublesome allegiance to their culture in the first six chapters, Paul will now address specific questions and issues that have come to him in a letter from the Corinthian church (7:1). He moves from a rather stern corrective, reproaching tone (they should have known better) to a pastorally informative tone.…