Most Middle Eastern cultures during the first century had the practice of a groom paying a Bride Price. The specific term Paul used in 1 Corinthians 6:20, “bought with a price” was part of a larger Jewish expression. As soon as the Bride Price was paid, the redeemed and now waiting bride was referred to as, “One Who is Bought With a Price.” This was the term that was used to designate a betrothed woman, prior to her wedding. It was applied to a waiting bride whose future husband had paid the Bride Price in full. The One Who Was Bought With a Price knew that her future wedding was assured.
From the time the actual Bride Price was paid in full, the young lady would be treated quite differently by the people in her community. She was no longer considered to be single or available. She was now recognized as a married woman and she was specifically called by the name of her betrothed husband. She would interact primarily with married women or others who had been Bought With a Price. Her days were spent in active preparation for the coming wedding.
In 1 Corinthians 6:20, Paul was telling us that we are no longer the same people we were before we entered into a Marriage Covenant with Jesus and He paid the Bride Price for us. From the time we are born again, we are not our own. Our lives should be different from those who HAVE NOT been bought with a price. The places we go, the people we associate with and the things we do should be different. We are not to forget our old friends, but those Who Have Been Bought With a Price should spend most of their free time with other Christians. (Heb 10:25). Jesus has paid the Bride Price for us and He expects us to bring Him honor.
The One Who is Bought With a Price would often take out the marriage contract and review the terms of her union with her beloved. In the same manner, I often read the New Testament and consider the terms of my union with Jesus. The entire Bible is my marriage contract. It clearly explains my duties and responsibilities, along with the Lord’s toward me. The Bible contains all instruction for how I am supposed to lead my life until the coming Marriage Supper of the Lamb. (Rev 19:9) It also reveals His personality, His likes, His dislikes, etc. and in reading it, I come to know Him better. It reveals details about our relationship and our eternal future together. The Bible was given to those Who are Bought With a Price as a love letter. Its words were penned by the One we love.
Prayer: Lord, please forgive me for ever seeing your Word as a book of rules. Jesus, I ask you to reveal your honest desires toward me, every time I open my Bible. May I come to know you as you want to be known. May I see myself through your loving eyes, as you see me. Please help me to use my body and my life to bring you glory. May I never forget that my life is not my own, because I am One Who is Bought With a Price.
(SOURCE UNKNOWN)