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Paul on Marriage and Children

by Traute Klein, AKA biogardener

Traute Klein's guest article for Pauline Studies looks at Paul's views on marriage and children in the light of the historical and cultural setting of his time.

My Background

I grew up in war-torn Germany where my family was persecuted for being Christian as well as for having a Jewish surname. Christians flocked together in loving support regardless of denominational boundaries. Doctrine was of no importance in those days. I got my early Bible teaching at my mother’s knee without the benefit, or should I say without the encumbrance, of theological interpretation. I did not hear that there is such a thing as Bible interpretation until I attended Bible school in Canada. By that time, it was too late to convert me. I shall forever remain true to reading the Bible without reference to any interpretation, official or otherwise. When I share my understanding of Paul’s vision, I have arrived at it on my own, so if you do not agree with it, do not blame any preacher or denomination. Just blame me and my late mother. I must, however, give credit to the excellent historical and classical training which I received from my teachers in Germany, particularly my teachers of history, religion, and most of all Latin. They did not drill facts into me, but taught me to think for myself and to question all sources until I got to the bottom of the truth. I have therefore come to view any writings in the light of their historical and cultural settings, and Paul’s epistles are no exception.

Paul on Parenthood

Paul’s writings leave no doubt that he had no use for marriage and children, at least not for himself. I have no problem understanding his strong convictions. I grew up at a time similar to that of the first church, a time of persecution, of oppression by government, of occupation by a foreign power, a time when parents starved themselves to be able to feed their children, a time when death was preferred to survival, especially for innocent children. Few babies were born in those days, because women were too undernourished to be able to conceive. To my knowledge, the babies who were born did not survive long, because their mothers were unable to nurse them. We thanked God for every infant whom God graciously took out of the misery of war and post-war existence. Besides not wanting to bring children into a hostile world, Paul was obsessed with the mission to which he was called. He had no time for wife and family.

Calling versus Doctrine

Paul was convinced that his calling excluded marriage and children, but he is quick to point out that he is not laying down a doctrine. In 1 Corinthians 7:25-40, he tells us that he has "no command of the Lord," but is giving "an opinion as one who by the mercy of the Lord is trustworthy." After explaining why an unmarried, childless state is the most desirable in the "present distress," he adds the footnote that the Lord would probably agree with him, because "I think that I also have the Spirit of God." After laying his opinion on heavy, I appreciate this lighter conclusion to his teaching.

Companion Article

Paul on Women in the Church
To understand St. Paul's admonition to women in the church, we need to look at the educational system of his day.

Guest Author

This is the February 15, 2002 guest article which I wrote for Bob Hunter, editor of Pauline Studies. It contained the following biographical note:
Traute Klein is the contributing editor of Natural Health. She has taught Sunday school and integrated family Bible studies to Christians of every denomination and every age from 2 to 82. She has been active in church music as organist, pianist, choir director, composer, and singer.