1 Corinthians 7:25-35
25 Now concerning virgins, I have no command of the Lord, but I am offering direction as one who by the mercy of the Lord is trustworthy.
26 I think, then, that this is good in view of the present distress, that it is good for a man to remain as he is.
27 Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be released. Are you released from a wife? Do not seek a wife.
28 But if you marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. Yet such people as yourselves will have trouble in this life, and I am trying to spare you.
29 But this I say, brothers, the time has been shortened, so that from now on those who have wives should be as though they had none;
30 and those who weep, as though they did not weep; and those who rejoice, as though they did not rejoice; and those who buy, as though they did not possess;
31 and those who use the world, as though they did not make full use of it; for the present form of this world is passing away.
32 But I want you to be free from concern. One who is unmarried is concerned about the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord;
33 but one who is married is concerned about the things of the world, how he may please his wife,
34 and his interests are divided. The woman who is unmarried, and the virgin, is concerned about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and spirit; but one who is married is concerned about the things of the world, how she may please her husband.
35 I say this for your own benefit, not to put a restraint on you, but to promote what is appropriate and to secure undistracted devotion to the Lord.
The Exhortation for Virgins
As one trustworthy
The next question is whether a virgin should marry. In response, Paul says, “I have no command of the Lord, but I am offering direction as one who by the mercy of the Lord is trustworthy.” In other words, his answer carries the same trustworthiness as if the Lord Himself had spoken directly. Paul’s view may be summarized as follows. (1) It is not a matter of one being superior to the other whether a person remains single or marries. (2) However, because this is “the present distress,” it is better, if possible, to remain in one’s present condition without seeking to change it. In other words, if you are married, do not seek to become unmarried; if you are single, do not seek to marry. “The present distress” means that there is only a short time remaining for the work of the gospel. Paul was likely sensing that a time of persecution was drawing near. (3) The present order of this world, including both material things and marriage, will one day pass away and be replaced by a new order. Therefore, there is no need to cling to the order of this present world.
Devote your attention to the Lord
Paul gives another reason for recommending singleness. Whether man or woman, a single person is generally able to devote undivided attention to the things of God more easily. Those who are married must necessarily be concerned with their spouse and with the affairs of this world, and as a result, the attention that was directed toward God becomes divided. Paul’s true intention was not to place the Corinthian Christians under restrictions, but to provide what would be for their benefit: an orderly way of life, the wise use of their time and energy, and wholehearted devotion to God. These were the goals Paul ultimately had in view. It is from this perspective that he discusses the question of singleness or marriage. Even more than in Paul’s day, we are living in “the present distress.” The time that remains is even shorter. Let us also avoid becoming dogmatic, instead cultivate the habit of considering what choices will bring us closer to the ultimate goal of the Christian life.
Today's prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to understand the times in which we live and to develop discernment to distinguish between what is temporary and what is eternal. Please grant me wisdom. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.