1 Coríntios 7
Charles Ellicott · Citado em PreceptAustin
1 Coríntios 7
Ellicott says "there is a change of word (from λέγω to φημί), in order probably to give special emphasis to the assertion—“But this I do declare: though I counsel none to change their state, I counsel all to change their attitude towards these and all other earthly things. And what are the earthly interests towards which Christian men are to change their attitude? He names marriage, weeping, rejoicing, buying, and the use of the world generally. But how is this possible? Because the time is short—literally “is shortened, abridged”—there is no very long time now for any one to feel the duty of detachment irksome. And finally there is wisdom in it, for this world is neither essential nor enduring—“the fashion of this world passeth away.”” The time has been shortened - Time (kairos) refers to a definite period of time, like a season (for growing wheat, etc), and once it passes, it is over. “This is not going to last long. Very soon it will be over.” Literally this could be read as "“the opportunity is compressed, or shut in," the point being that time is short with reference to its opportunities. NLT "The time that remains is very short." Or as Alan Jackson sings below "Life goes on for a little bitty while."We are not to be so distracted by things. Married people are DISTRACTED. Ryrie - Because time to serve Christ is short, all should live for Him in every circumstance of life. Well, it's alright to be little bitty Little hometown or a big old city Might as well share, might as well smile Life goes on for a little bitty while
1 Coríntios 7
Ellicott writes "An illusion haunts us, that a long duration, as a year, a decade, a century, is valuable. But an old French sentence says, “God works in moments”—“En peu d’heure Dieu labeure.” We ask for long life, but ‘tis deep life, or grand moments that signify. Let the measure of Time be spiritual, not mechanical. Life is unnecessarily long. Moments of insight, of fine personal relation, a smile, a glance—what ample borrowers of eternity they are!" Chuck Smith - Time is short. He is actually saying, "We don"t have time, really, to get involved in marital relationships. We don"t have time to indulge in grief or sorrow. We don"t have time for partying and revelry. We don"t have time to amass possessions. We are in the world, but let"s not abuse it. Let us use it; we have got to live. We have got to eat so do what you have to, but don"t get overly involved, for the fashion of the world is passing away, or is rapidly passing away." So, as Paul was looking at the situation in his day, at the deterioration of the whole social scene of the things taking place, he gives these warnings. Time is short, things are rapidly passing away, we really don"t have time for the extraneous. And soon the months will roll away, And quickly come the nuptial day, When Thou, the Lamb, shalt take Thy throne And fully there Thy Church shalt own. —Isaac Watts Jack Arnold - Paul now gives the second reason why it is wise to stay single. It is that the time is short, and this is covered in 1 Cor 7:29-31. Some have thought this is a reference to the Second Coming of Christ, but it does not say this (ED: I BEG TO DISAGREE - THE TIME OF HIS COMING IS ALWAYS NIGH AND TODAY WE ARE ONE DAY CLOSER THAN YESTERDAY, SO THE TIME HAS BECOME SHORTENED!). I personally think Paul is referring to the brevity of life, especially in the midst of persecution.. The older one gets, the quicker time seems to fly by (ED: AT AGE 75 IN 2021 I SAY "AMEN!"). All men become aware of the shortness of time. Christians become aware of how few years they have on earth to do the things God desires and to fully experience the exciting adventures God has for those who love Him. Non-Christians are aware of the shortness of time, and their philosophy is, “Time is flying; we only go around life once, so let’s grab all we can of it. Let's live it up with gusto. There is nothing beyond death so we have to experience all of life we can.” This certainly is not the Christian philosophy of life. Christians are to use fleeting time to the maximum for eternal purposes -- to reach a lost and dying world, to build up the church, to serve the Lord, to develop a spiritual life through prayer and Bible study, etc. The center of the Christian’s life should not just be making a living but making a life pleasing to the Lord. Related Resource: Redeem the Time Ponder the Words of this poignant song by Robin Mark (God used it mightily in my life!) - When It's All Been Said and Done Expositor's Greek Testament says time (kairos) refers to "the season, the epoch of suspense in which the Church was then placed, looking for Christ’s coming (1 Corinthians 1:7+) and uncertain of its date. The prospect is “contracted” so short views must be taken of life. Spurgeon gives 7 points of application in light of the truth that the “The time is limited.” First, this statement warns, next it suggests, then it inspires, and lastly it alarms. Paul warns because if we knew the real worth of time we would shrink from the smallest waste of so precious a thing. We cannot afford to lose it in senseless talk, idle gossip, or scandals. I wish it could be said of us that we wasted neither an hour of our own time nor an hour of other people’s time. By the brevity of time and by the rapidity of its flight, I admonish all of us to invest each hour in some profitable manner that, when past, it may not be lost. The time is limited” also suggests that we have no time for dreary intervals spent in wandering and backsliding, for retracing our steps in repenting of evil, for becoming lukewarm and then rekindling our former commitment. “The time is limited” also should inspire us. It ought to fire us with zeal for immediate action. The time to do the deeds we must do, or leave undone, flies swiftly past. “The time is limited” for others (THAT IS THOSE WHO ARE LOST) as well. I want to ring this sentence louder and louder in our ears that it may inspire us to pray for immediate conversions. Then seeing that “the time is limited,” let us bear with patience the ills that trouble us. Are we poor? “The time is limited.” Does the bitter cold pierce through our scanty garments? “The time is limited.” Is illness beginning to prey on our trembling frame? “The time is limited.” Are we unkindly treated by our relatives? Do our associates revile and our neighbors mock us? “The time is limited.” Have we to bear evil treatment from an ungenerous world? “The time is limited.” Do cruel taunts try our tempers? “The time is limited.” We are traveling at express speed and will soon be beyond the reach of all the incidents and happenings that disturb and distract us. Since “the time is limited” in which we can hold any possessions in this terrestrial sphere, let us not love anything here below too fondly. “We brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out” (1Ti 6:7, cf Job 1:21). “The time is limited” should inspire us who are of the household of faith with the most joyous expectations because its fulfillment is near. “The time is limited” also should alarm us. For those who have not believed in Christ and embraced the gospel, “the time is limited.” There is not time enough to spare. Time is rushing on swiftly but silently. It soon will be lost for all eternity. Related Resource: 1 Corinthians 7:29 “The Time Is Short” - C H Spurgeon Time (season, epoch) (2540) kairos means a point of time or period of time, time, period, frequently with the implication of being especially fit for something and without emphasis on precise chronology. It describes the period as especially appropriate and favorable (the right time). Stated another way kairos is distinguished from chronos (time) because kairos views TIME from the aspect of the strategic opportunity it provides, and not simply a change from the past into the present into the future, not mere duration. (Trench)Something that lasts for a season and so is transient, temporary or enduring only for a specific period of time. Kairos is a period which is especially appropriate - a favorable time (at the right time). Kairos in the Corinthian letters - 1 Co. 4:5; 1 Co. 7:5; 1 Co. 7:29; 2 Co. 6:2; 2 Co. 8:14. Ellicott - Time may be long, and yet the opportunity may be very short. The sun in autumn may be bright and clear, but the seed which has not been sown until then will not vegetate. A man may have vigour and energy in manhood and maturity, but the work which ought to have been done in childhood and youth cannot be done in old age. A chance once gone in this world can never be recovered.....Iron passes into the furnace cold and unyielding; coming out it quickly cools and refuses the mould; but midway is a moment when fire so lends itself to iron, and iron so yields its force to flame that the metal flows like water. This brief plastic moment is the inventor’s opportunity, when the metal will take on any shape for use or beauty. Related Resource: Redeem the Time WHEN I HAVE TIME! When I have time, so many things I’ll do, To make life happier and more fair For those whose lives are crowded now with care, I’ll help to lift them from their low despair When I have time. When I have time, the friend I love so well Shall know no more the weary, toiling days; I’ll lead his feet in pleasant paths always, And cheer his heart with words of sweetest praise, When I have time. When you have time! The friend you hold so dear May be beyond the reach of all your sweet intent, May never know that you so kindly meant To fill his life with bright content, When you had time. Now is the time! Speed, friend, no longer wait To scatter loving smiles and words of cheer To those around, whose lives are now so drear; They may not need you in that far-off year: Now is the time. Shortened (4958)(sustello from sun = with + stello = shortened as sails) means send (draw) together, i.e. enwrap (enshroud a corpse for burial), contract (an interval) Sustello means “contracted and rolled up, as sails used were furled by the mariners as the ship drew to the harbor. (I) To deck together, wrap together, envelop, wind in a garment or robe. Of a dead body rolled up and swathed for burial (Acts 5:6; Sept.: Ezek. 29:5). (II) To draw together, to contract. Figuratively in the pass., to shrink together, be distressed, anxious. Hence, in 1 Cor. 7:29, “the time is full of distress” (a.t.). Others interpret it “the time is short.”