Fathers

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What the Fathers say

1 Corinthians 7:6

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

"But this I say by way of permission, not of commandment. For I would that all men were even as I myself; in a state of continence." This he doth in many places when he is advising about difficult matters; he brings forward himself, and says, "Be ye imitators of me." "Howbeit each man hath his own gift from God, one after this manner, and another after that." Thus since he had heavily charged them saying, "for your incontinence," he again comforteth them by the words, "each one hath his own gift of God;" not declaring that towards …

Homily on 1 Corinthians 19 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

So that you would not deprive one another before the time, I said this, says the apostle, "as a concession" (κατά συγγνώμην), that is, out of condescension to your weakness, "and not as a commandment" that is absolute.

Commentary on 1 Corinthians ↗

Irenaeus

But why say I these things concerning the Old Testament? For in the New also are the apostles found doing this very thing, on the ground which has been mentioned, Paul plainly declaring, "But these things I say, not the Lord." And again: "But this I speak by permission, not by commandment." And again: "Now, as concerning virgins, I have no commandment from the Lord; yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful." But further, in another place he says: "That Satan tempt you not for your …

Against Heresies Book IV ↗

Western Saints

Thomas Aquinas

Then when he says, I say this, he tells in what sense the above doctrine should be taken. First, he does what has been said; secondly, he assigns a reason (v. 7); thirdly, he explains what he had said (v. 8). First, therefore, he says: I have said that each one should have his own wife and each woman her own husband; furthermore, after practicing continence for a time, they should return once more to each other. …

Commentary on 1 Corinthians ↗