1 Corinthians Commentary, Chapter 7 Part 2 - PRINCIPLES FOR SINGLES AND WIDOWS

[Dr. Henry, President of the AOCI]

CHAPTER 7 PART II – PRINCIPLES FOR SINGLES & WIDOWS
Vs. 25-28 Although Virgins here is the masculine plural it does include both young men & women promised by their parents according to the Jewish custom of those times. Although the LORD did not directly deal with this issue, Paul is inspired by the Holy Spirit to write on the subject of singles and widows. He is a trustworthy source since the Spirit of God is inspiring him to write on the subject and he is an agent that God is using. It is important to note that Paul is not just making a judgment that could apply to everyone with every possible circumstance, but because of the crisis of this time (heavy persecution) he instructs that it would be better to remain single and that anyone who is married should remain that way.
Vs. 29-31 “Time is short” speaks to the present crisis of persecution at hand and does not speak to the Lord’s coming as some would suppose since it does not fit the context. Paul’s point here is that the Corinthians should not have an undue or unhealthy focus on their current circumstances. We should not make anything (including our current circumstances, property, material possessions, or desires) the center of our attention. WE NEED TO FOCUS ON CHRIST AS WE NEAR HIS COMING (Heb. 11:13-16; 12:2-3).
Vs. 32-35 Paul recognizes that it is a fact of life that interest and attention get divided in marriage but even though remaining unmarried was considered a disgrace by most Jews, Paul considered being single (unmarried) more advantageous and at the same time he did not consider marriage inferior to being single. Paul considered being single more beneficial since the head of the single person is Christ. Paul realized that married people would be distracted from serving God wholeheartedly with their concerns for each other during this period of crisis so if the Corinthians could remain single, they would be spared of the many challenges and worries encountered and could devote themselves fully to the Lord’s service and therefore be much happier. The Bible teaches that there is life abundant in Christ with being single that a married couple would have to work twice as hard to attain. Single is a good thing to the Lord.
Vs. 34-38 Virgin in this passage means a young woman engaged to be married. Again, Paul supports the single life and says it is preferred (especially during those times).
Vs. 39-40 Marriage is suppose to be forever in this life only (Jesus said there would be no marriages in heave according to Mark 12:25). Jesus and Paul taught that marriage was for life in contrast to the easy divorce practice by the Jews of that day. The church would be wise to pay close attention to the sanctity of marriage in today’s society and especially in the Church. Widows are free to remarry anyone as long as they are true Christians who are living in communion with the Lord. If the widow cannot find a suitable Christian husband, she should remain a widow (which will make her happier).