Paul's discussion of marriage and singleness in 1 Corinthians 7 has long presented exegetical challenges, beginning with the chapter's opening statement: 'It is good for a man not to touch a woman.' Interpreters continue to debate whether the ascetic language of the statement reflects the views of Paul or the Corinthians. They also debate the motivations for the rise of an ascetic movement in Corinth. In this ground-breaking study, Barry N. Danylak offers a fresh solution to these conundra. Using evidence from Egyptian census papyri, he demonstrates the prevalence of secular singleness in Roman urban environments. He also draws on classic Greek marriage debates to argue that the Corinthians' disposition likely reflected an Epicurean perspective of secular singleness; and that Paul himself was responsible for the 'touch' language as a rhetorical adaptation in his response to the Corinthians' question. Combining fresh evidence with attentive analysis, Danylak's study thus proposes a viable resolution to these long-standing exegetical challenges.

‘Danylak’s study is an excellent contribution to scholarship both of New Testament studies and early Christian engagement with Epicureanism. The scholarly neglect of Epicurean presence and influence among the early Christian communities is an unfortunate reality that Danylak’s study aims to rectify. It promotes new areas of research for a better understanding of early Christianity and Paul’s teachings on marriage and singleness.’

Nathan Alexander Scott Source: The Scottish Bulletin of Evangelical Theology

‘… this book is highly recommended for scholars, pastors and educated laypeople interested in singleness in antiquity, and certainly represents an advancement in the prevailing understanding of 1 Corinthians 7 and its context.’

William B. Bowes Source: Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society