If we had only this chapter, you might think Paul was down on marriage, but that would be wrong. He didn't dislike marriage. He puts it in perspective and faces head-on several problems related to it. As we come to verse 8 of this chapter we hit the discussion of the dark side of marriage. You're going to see what God says about dealing with some of the ways His standards can be violated.

The Roman part of Jesus' trial was a mockery of justice, just like the Jewish part.--1 - Pilate, to Herod, to Pilate -1-15--2 - Mocking the Master -16-21-

Paul answered some questions that had been written to him, and we get to benefit from the answers. Everything in this introductory paragraph will be . . .--I. For Singles-II. For Husbands and Wives

The key phrase in this passage is All things are lawful for me. It occurs twice in this verse, and shows up again in 10-23, without the -for me.- Paul quotes the phrase like a motto, in order to put it in the proper perspective.--All things are lawful for me is a particularly Christian statement in one important sense. All other religions prescribe rules which must be kept for a person to have a chance to be saved. They are all systems of gaining righteousness and holiness through human effort. Christianity is unique. It is a matter of salvation by divine accomplishment rather than by human effort. Every other religious systems says You must DO. The Bible says God has DONE it.--Like any pithy statement, All things are lawful for me is subject to being misinterpreted.

The night of Jesus' trial was when Peter reached the bottom of the pit of despair. Three times he denied that he knew Jesus.--1 - Strike One -66-68--2 - Strike Two -69-70a--3 - Strike Three -70b-72-

Jesus was tried in Jewish court, then again in Roman court. Each part had three phases. Our passage records one part of the Jewish phase.--1 - The Foregone Conclusion -53-54--2 - The False Witnesses -55-59--3 - The Fuming High Priest -60-65-

The precious time of Jesus teaching the disciples is over. He has prayed. Judas has fetched the spiritual thugs. The betrayal goes down and Jesus is arrested.--1 - the mob -43--2 - the kiss -44-45--3 - the melee -46-47--4 - the absurdity -48-49--5 - the escapees -50-52-