1 Corinthians 7

The Lord's teaching on marriage

And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband: 1 Corinthians 7:10–12

Paul separates what the Lord Jesus Himself taught during His mortal ministry, that married couples should not separate, from Paul's own inspired counsel.

• alludes to Matthew 19:6 — What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
• alludes to Mark 10:9 — Jesus' teaching against divorce.

Bought with a price (Atonement)

For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord’s freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ’s servant. 1 Corinthians 7:22–23

Whatever a person's earthly status, a disciple is set free by the Lord and belongs to Christ as His servant, because Christ purchased us with His own sacrifice.

How we know: the verse itself names Him

• the same title in 1 Corinthians 6:20 — For ye are bought with a price.

The Lord (Christ)

But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord: 1 Corinthians 7:32–35

Paul wants disciples to serve and please the Lord Jesus with undivided hearts.