I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I.
Paul's word here is his answer to inquiries about home relations, specifically about the expediency of marriage in the church. It belongs to teaching that perplexed the Corinthian church and still perplexes many in the church today. It belongs to his inspired instruction on marriage and does not show a lack of inspiration. Where he distinguishes his own command from the Lord's command he is referring to earlier Scriptures that address the same matter.
It must not be abused by superficial misconstruction at variance with the rest of Scripture. It can only yield its valuable lesson when read with understanding of the customs of the times and the peculiar situation of the church amidst a heathen and persecuting people. The command was especially needed then because of the customs of the heathen on every side, and is needed now because of looseness on all moral questions. It emphasizes the advice in verses 1-2 by applying it specifically to unmarried men and widows, while directions concerning virgins are given later in the chapter. Its plain counsel is that it is good for unmarried people and widows to remain unmarried, as Paul did.
Remaining single is not required, but it is good when that is what the Lord requires. Decisions about divorce and remarriage, especially after new family ties and children have formed, must therefore be weighed wisely and faithfully rather than settled by a categorical answer, by following God's word and a true conscience. Remaining single is considered more conducive to a holy life because it allows greater attention to the things of the Lord. Those who give up marriage for Christ are better fitted for, and will enjoy, the highest places in glory.
Abstaining from marriage or conjugal affection is not made a mark of greater holiness. A husband or wife must not use supposed spirituality to neglect the plain duties of marriage, since walking with God is compatible with holy wedlock and having children. Consecration to God must be carried into married life. The chapter's teaching is offered as guidance against selfish yielding to appetite in marriage, so the counsel to remain as they are supports restraint in the marriage relation. The marriage instruction in verses 1-17, including this verse, belongs to the study of a wife's reverence for her husband as being in subjection to him as head, with duty to God first yet without stirring up strife at home.
Paul's word here is his answer to inquiries about home relations, specifically about the expediency of marriage in the church. It belongs to teaching that perplexed the Corinthian church and still perplexes many in the church today. It belongs to his inspired instruction on marriage and does not show a lack of inspiration. Where he distinguishes his own command from the Lord's command he is referring to earlier Scriptures that address the same matter.
It must not be abused by superficial misconstruction at variance with the rest of Scripture. It can only yield its valuable lesson when read with understanding of the customs of the times and the peculiar situation of the church amidst a heathen and persecuting people. The command was especially needed then because of the customs of the heathen on every side, and is needed now because of looseness on all moral questions. It emphasizes the advice in verses 1-2 by applying it specifically to unmarried men and widows, while directions concerning virgins are given later in the chapter. Its plain counsel is that it is good for unmarried people and widows to remain unmarried, as Paul did.
Remaining single is not required, but it is good when that is what the Lord requires. Decisions about divorce and remarriage, especially after new family ties and children have formed, must therefore be weighed wisely and faithfully rather than settled by a categorical answer, by following God's word and a true conscience. Remaining single is considered more conducive to a holy life because it allows greater attention to the things of the Lord. Those who give up marriage for Christ are better fitted for, and will enjoy, the highest places in glory.
Abstaining from marriage or conjugal affection is not made a mark of greater holiness. A husband or wife must not use supposed spirituality to neglect the plain duties of marriage, since walking with God is compatible with holy wedlock and having children. Consecration to God must be carried into married life. The chapter's teaching is offered as guidance against selfish yielding to appetite in marriage, so the counsel to remain as they are supports restraint in the marriage relation. The marriage instruction in verses 1-17, including this verse, belongs to the study of a wife's reverence for her husband as being in subjection to him as head, with duty to God first yet without stirring up strife at home.