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"The flower of youth..."

Text: 1 Corinthians 7:36

THE ROLE OF A FATHER

In the first century, the role of a father was very significant. Fathers decided whether their daughters were to be married or stay single.

“But if any man thinks he is behaving improperly toward his virgin,
if she is past the flower of youth, and thus it must be,
let him do what he wishes. He does not sin; let them marry.”
1 Corinthians 7:36

1. In the first century

a) Fathers have legal rights concerning their daughters.

b) They could determine:

i) To let his daughter be married.

ii) To let her remain single.

c) Marriages were often “arranged”.

d) Not many married “for love”.

2. “But if any man thinks he is behaving improperly toward his virgin”

a) This is a reference to the father in relationship to his daughter.

b) “Behaving improperly” toward his virgin:

i) He may be under pressure to have his daughter married.

ii) This “pressure” may come from suitors or relatives.

iii) To keep the daughter from being married may be termed as “selfish” (thus “inappropriate”).

iv) These pressures gets to the father.

3. “If she is past the flower of youth, and thus it must be”

a) This may well be a reference to one of the arguments put to the father.

b) That the daughter would soon be “past the flower of youth”.

c) “And thus it must be”

i) The daughter should thus be given in marriage.

ii) Why should the father restrict his daughter from marriage?

4. “Let him do what he wishes. He does not sin; let them marry”

a) The father is allowed to choose.

b) There is no sin involved either way.

c) Marriage was not forbidden. The father may decide without fearing that marriage is sinful!