1 Corinthians 7:25-31 (WEL) Now concerning virgins, I have no command from the Lord. Yet, I give my opinion as one who has obtained mercy from the Lord [and] to be faithful. 26 Therefore, I think it is best for this present distress that it is better for you to remain as you are. 27 Are you married to a wife? Don’t seek to be separated. Are you unmarried? Don’t seek a wife. 28 But if you marry, you have not sinned, and if a virgin woman marries, she has not sinned. Nevertheless, such will have distress in the flesh, and I want to spare you. 29 But I say this, brethren, the time is short, so from now on, those that have wives should be as though they had none. 30 And those who weep as though they didn’t weep, those who rejoice as though they didn’t rejoice, and those who buy as though they didn’t own anything. 31 Those who make use of this world as not misusing it, for the present form of this world passes away.
Constable writes: “The second occurrence of the phrase peri de (“now concerning”) occurs in verse 25 and indicates another subject about which the Corinthians had written Paul (cf. v. 1). This was the subject of single women. This section belongs with the rest of chapter 7 because this subject relates closely to what immediately precedes. Paul continued to deal with questions about marriage that the Corinthians’ asceticism raised.”
V25 Now concerning virgins, I have no command from the Lord. Yet, I give my opinion as one who has obtained mercy from the Lord [and] to be faithful.
It is most likely that the words virgins is used instead of daughters. Some daughters might not be virgins. Paul, being a Jew, knows that the Old Testament word would be H5959 עַלְמָה ‛almāh, which means young woman or virgin depending on the context. Luke uses the medically verified virgin for Mother, the mother of Jesus, thus Isaiah 7:14 should be translated virgin. In Genesis 24:23, Rachel is described as a young woman from the word ‛almāh, which is a young woman, yet in this case a virgin, because in Genesis 24:16 the Hebrew word is H1330 בְּתוּלָה bᵉthûwlâh, which is a virgin.
What about the unmarried getting married? Paul admits that this advice has not been revealed to him by the Lord Jesus but seems prudent in view of persecutions against Christ-followers increasing.
Mercy is not receiving what I deserve. Paul, similarly, notes that as a sinner, he deserves God’s wrath. The condition God requires is faith in Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world.
Note the priority of Paul to be faithful as a bondservant of Jesus Christ. This is an example for us. Compare Luke 9:62, Philippians 1:20, and 1 Timothy 1:12.
V26 Therefore, I think it is best for this present distress that it is better for you to remain as you are.
That is, do not get married. Paul is not against marriage, preferring singleness. Most likely, he was married, but his wife left him after he was born again. Paul is worried that those who are or get married might only be married for a short time before their spouse is martyred. It is a practical observation, not a God-given preference. God created male (XY) and female (XX) to be married.
V27 Are you married to a wife? Don’t seek to be separated. Are you unmarried? Don’t seek a wife.
Singleness is not preferred if one is already married. God’s standard is marriage until death.
V28 But if you marry, you have not sinned, and if a virgin woman marries, she has not sinned. Nevertheless, such will have distress in the flesh, and I want to spare you.
Marriage is not a sin. Paul is offering practical advice due to the situations they now face.
V29 But I say this, brethren, the time is short, so from now on, those that have wives should be as though they had none.
All should be aware that our spouse could be martyred.
V30 And those who weep as though they didn’t weep, those who rejoice as though they didn’t rejoice, and those who buy as though they didn’t own anything.
Paul gives advice regarding financial status and emotional state to be content. Compare Ecclesiastes 3:4. Our attitudes should be heavenly-minded, not worldly-minded. Following the Lord Jesus is more important than things on earth. See Matthew 6:33.
V31 Those who make use of this world as not misusing it, for the present form of this world passes away.
The eternal state of a follower of Jesus is more important than worldly status, because this world, as we know it today, passes away (2 Peter 3:10). God will create a new heaven and earth. See Isaiah 65:17, Revelation 21:7, and 2 Peter 3:13.
Regarding the summary of these verses:
Bible Knowledge commentary: “The basic principle Paul had been setting forth (viz., to continue in one’s present position) was then applied to those who had never married. Apparently, this was in response to a question put to him. Paul urged them to remain single, for three reasons: (a) an impending time of distress for Christians (1Co 7:26-28), (b) the imminent return of Christ (1Co 7:29-31), and (c) the opportunity for undistracted service for Christ (1Co 7:32-35).”
We learn:
- The eternal is more important than the temporary earthly conditions we live in.
- How to live Jesus’s law in society.
Questions:
- Where is your first love?
- How do you respond to everyday life and situations?