1 Corinthians 6

Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, you have been bought with a price. So, glorify God in your body. (1 Cor 6:19-20)

Ancient Corinth was a crazy place, something like Las Vagas but possibly worse. It might surprise you, but historians have noted that the sexual latitude allowed to men by Greek public opinion was virtually unrestricted. Prostitution was legal and a widely accepted social convention. Sexual relationships with young boys were also generally tolerated, and sexual activities were a part of idol worship at pagan temples. Self-indulgence ruled the day, and the body was considered a temporary thing to be spent seeking pleasure.*

Into this mayhem steps the Apostle Paul, writing to clarify how Christians understand the world differently. First Paul clarifies the value of the physical body. The resurrection of the body is an integral part of the Christian story. What Christians do with their physical bodies is a matter of urgent concern to Paul – the body is not something to be treated badly and disposed of; it will be resurrected one day. What you do with your body matters.

Secondly, Paul clarifies the value of a sexual relationship. He reaches back and quotes Genesis 2:24 As it is written, the two shall become one flesh (6:16) to remind people that sexual activity is significant. The whole argument presupposes that sex cannot be understood at a momentary act that satisfies a transient natural urge. Instead, it creates a real and enduring bond between man and woman. What you do with your body matters – especially regarding sexual activity.

In summary, Paul reminds the church that they are to be different from the rest of society. The unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God… Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor adulterers, nor those who practice homosexuality… will inherit the kingdom of God (6:9-10). You – the church – were once like that but now you are different! You were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit (6:11). The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord (6:13). Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit (6:19).

Paul, and all the writers of the New Testament, call Christians to care for their bodies and to give honor to sexual relationships. The command flee sexual immorality! (6:18) echoes the story of Joseph who fled the advances of Potiphar’s wife.In a society that focuses on the rights and freedoms of individuals to seek their own pleasure however they want, Paul speaks loudly to self-control and service owed to God. Recognize also that Paul doesn’t see sexual activity as an individual, private realm – the church should be concerned because sexual immorality also affects the church and relationships within it (remember 1 Corinthians 5).

All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful (6:12) is a great point of reflection for all of us. What things does our society say are acceptable or legal, but might not be good for us or bring honor to God? Do you value and care for your physical body? Do you flee sexual immorality and honor sexual relationships as God intended?

*A great commentary on this is Richard Hays, First Corinthians, Interpretation series, Westminster Press, 2011.