The Corinthian church had sent a letter to Paul (probably with Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus; see 1 Corinthians 16:17) in which they had asked his advice on various matters. Finally, after having addressed the division, arrogance, and sin in the church, Paul turns his attention to their questions.
In their letter, the Corinthians had probably voiced several questions and perplexities regarding marriage and sexuality. Paul begins his treatment of the subject with a general principle, possibly taken from the Corinthians’ letter itself: “It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with [literally: not to touch
] a woman.”
In the rest of chapter 7, Paul will expound on this statement as it relates to marriage, divorce, and remarriage.
1 Pour ce qui concerne les choses au sujet desquelles vous m'avez écrit, je pense qu'il est bon pour l'homme de ne point toucher de femme.