Journal: Trinity Journal
Volume: TRINJ 23:2 (Fall 2002)
Article: Spiritual Marriage in Early Christianity: 1 Cor 7:25-38 in Modern Exegesis and the Earliest Church
Author: Greg Peters

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TrinJ 23:2 (Fall 02) p. 211

Spiritual Marriage in Early Christianity:
1 Cor 7:25-38 in Modern Exegesis and the Earliest Church

Greg Petersa

Several scholars, most notably the twentieth century German Hans Achelis, have argued that the origin of the early Christian ascetic practice of syneisaktism, or “spiritual marriage,”1 can be found in the famous passage on virginity in Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians (7:25–38). In fact, twentieth century biblical commentators have often agreed with Achelis’ understanding of the Corinthian text, thus lending support to his view.2 If these modern commentators are correct then it would appear that Paul was aware of the agapetae and supported their chosen ascetical path. Furthermore, several early church writers also write about the agapetae, thus lending further support to the thesis of Achelis that the practice of “spiritual marriage” was approved of in the earliest church.3

Achelis pictures two persons of the opposite sex living in an impossible situation. They had initially agreed to live together in a chaste marriage, but now they are tempted beyond their limits of control. The question is then raised, “Can such a virgin, vowed to virginity in a spiritual marriage, be free to marry?” Paul advises that the virgin can marry if necessity dictates. She would not be sinning if

TrinJ 23:2 (Fall 02) p. 212

she married. This interpretation suggests that Paul was familiar with syneisaktism. Since Paul does not condemn the practice, it is concluded that Paul had granted his approval. Although this argument is based on a particular reading of the biblical text, which, as will be demonstrated below, some interpreters do not accept, it is probable that the Corinthians were the first witnesses of the same phenomenon that would become popular in early Christian asceticism. To help support the contention that Paul was aware of syneisaktism one can look to modern authors who have commented on the text of 1 Cor 7:36–38, which reads,

But if any man thinks that he is acting unbecomingly toward his virgin, if she should be of full age, and if it must be so, let him do what he wishes, he does not sin; let her marry. But he who stands firm in his heart, being under no constraint, but has authority over his own will, and has decided this in his own heart, to keep his own virgin, he will do well. So then both he who gives his own virgin...

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