'1Cor 7:25-40

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The unmarried and widows (1Co 7:25-40)

Corinth was at that time troubled by some unusually distressing circumstances. In view of this, Paul felt it best for people, whether married or single, to stay as they were for the time being. The responsibilities that go with marriage and a family would only add to the current difficulties (1Co 7:25-28).

This was not the time for people to create further problems for themselves by making changes or becoming more involved in worldly affairs. It was a time to remain steady and remember the importance of eternal things (1Co 7:29-31).

The married, being anxious for their families, must spend time looking after them. The unmarried, being free from such worry, can give themselves fully to the service of God (1Co 7:32-35).

In spite of his advice against marriage during the current crisis, Paul realized that Corinth’s low moral standards provided many temptations for single men and women. If such people were anxious to marry, they should not be prevented, in case the temptations proved too much for them (1Co 7:36).

But for those without such strong passions, it would be better in the present circumstances not to marry (1Co 7:37).

Both courses of action are right, but the latter is preferable (1Co 7:38).

Finally, Paul has some advice for widows. Christian marriage is a lifelong union, broken only by death. When the husband dies, the widow is free to remarry, provided she marries another believer. Here again Paul’s advice is that, because of the current crisis, she would be wiser to remain single (1Co 7:39-40).

(See 1 Timothy 5:14 for Paul’s advice to widows in different circumstances.)