Paulus oor seksuele selfbeheersing - enkrateuomai en akrasia in 1 Korintiers 7

Abstract

1 Corinthians 7 - of which the interpretation had decisive consequences for Christian sexual ethics - is exegetically analysed to ascertain Paul’s understanding of the sexual aspect of enkrateia. He did not lay down comprehensive sexual values, but tried to steer them away from immorality. He regarded sexual self-control as a charisma given to certain Christians for a shorter or longer period enabling them, like himself, to remain celibate -devotionally and in troubled times a preferred state. However, being practical about sexuality, matrimony is an acceptable alternative for believers without this charisma, because of the ever-present danger of immorality. He cautioned married couples - lacking self-control - about abstaining sexually and to consider their partner’s needs. Nevertheless, their akrasia is not a total absence of control over sexual urges and per se sinful. It is basically not an ethical problem, except when it leads to immorality. He was not advocating ascetics, because self-control is not iron self-discipline in the classical Greek sense of the word.