35.Why does Paul give such advice? .

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Not to put them in bondage but to free the saints so they can serve the Lord without distraction.

The translators are not in agreement on the meaning of the word virgin, in verses thirty-six through thirty-eight. Some interpret the passage to mean the man’s own virginity, which is in keeping with the context of the seventh chapter.

Some interpret the passage to be referring to the woman to whom he is engaged. Some understand the passage to be referring to a man who has a virgin daughter and is undecided about whether he ought to give her in marriage.

Our own opinion is that it is referring to a man, and a woman of whom he has become fond—a fellow Christian with whom he is acquainted in the assembly.

Based on this opinion, our interpretation would be as follows:

Verse 36—If a man thinks he is behaving in an unbecoming manner toward a female friend, she is becoming older, and they both desire to be married, there is no sin in their being married.

Verse 37—If a man has made up his mind to remain unmarried, he has made a wise decision.

Verse 38-The man that marries does well. The man who refrains from getting married has made a better choice.