That is, given you in marriage, or betrothed you. In ancient times a middleman was employed to make arrangements for the betrothal of a son or daughter (see Matt. 25:1-13; 1 Cor. 7:36-38; see on Gen. 24). For practical purposes an ancient betrothal was as binding as the marriage itself. Here, Paul was the middleman between Christ and the church.

 The bride-elect either remained at home with her parents or was committed to the care and protection of trusted friends of the bridegroom until the husband-elect should come for her. Often considerable time elapsed between the betrothal and the wedding, but during this time all communication between the future husband and the bride-to-be was carried on through the trusted “friend” (see John 3:29). It was also his responsibility to train and prepare the bride for the day her husband would come. The responsibility of the “friend” was considered sacred. Faithlessness on the part of the bride-elect was sometimes punishable by death.

 Here, Christ is the Bridegroom, the Corinthian church is the bride-elect, and Paul is the “friend” of the Bridegroom. It was Paul who had negotiated the betrothal of the Corinthian believers to Christ (cf. Rom. 7:1-6), and he was anxious that the Corinthian church should remain pure and undefiled.

 Marriage is frequently employed in Scripture as an illustration of the relationship between Christ and His people (Isa. 54:5; 62:5; Jer. 3; Eze. 16:8-63; Hosea 2:18-20; Eph. 5:25-32). The high priest, who typified Christ, was permitted to marry only one who was a pure virgin (Lev. 21:10-14). The anxious expectation of the church is to meet Christ face to face.

 God appreciates the love of His people, and feels deeply any lessening of their affection for Him (see Eze. 18:31; 33:11; cf. Ex. 20:5; 34:14; Deut. 4:24; Joshua 24:19; Zech. 8:2). For a time the Corinthians had transferred their affections from Paul to a rival. Paul’s concern for them is not a mean, human jealousy, but a jealousy like that of God.

Gr. zēloō, “to burn with zeal.” Used in a good sense, it means to be enthusiastic in the pursuit of good, to be filled with ardor. Here, Paul is deeply concerned lest the Corinthians be seduced and corrupted by the false apostles. In a bad sense, zēloō denotes envious and contentious rivalry. In the good sense, God is said to be jealous over His people. God will endure no rival.

 The supreme moment in the ancient marriage ritual came when the bridegroom appeared to claim his bride and escort her to his home to the wedding feast. As friend of the Bridegroom, Paul thinks of his joy when Christ returns and he will have the joy of presenting the Corinthians to Christ. It will be a day of joy when the bride looks upon the Bridegroom’s face and beholds His glorious person (1 Cor. 13:12; 1 Peter 1:7, 8; 1 John 3:2). The Bridegroom will then look upon His bride, adorned in the pure white garments of righteousness, and satisfied (Isa. 53:11; Zeph. 3:17), will take her to His Father’s house (John 14:1-3).