25 Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful. 26 I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, I say, that it is good for a man so to be. 27 Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife. 28 But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you. 29 But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none;
30 And they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not; 31 And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away. 32 But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord: 33 But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife. 34 There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband. 35 And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction. (1 Corinthians 7:25-35 KJV)
The Unmarried and the Widowed
Here, the apostle gives guidance about how unmarried Christians—particularly virgins—should conduct themselves. He begins by clarifying that there was no direct command from Jesus regarding this matter (1 Corinthians 7:25). However, Paul offers his judgment as one who has received mercy from the Lord to be faithful. His counsel, while not a direct command from Christ, carries weight because it comes from a trustworthy apostle guided by the Holy Spirit. Paul consistently attributes his faithfulness in ministry to the grace of God (1 Corinthians 15:10).
Given the challenges facing the early church, Paul advises that it is good for a person to remain single (1 Corinthians 7:26). This recommendation is based on the current distress and persecutions Christians were enduring. The burdens of married life would increase their difficulties and anxieties during such times (1 Corinthians 7:33-34). While marriage is lawful, Paul emphasizes the importance of considering what is expedient, especially during times of suffering or uncertainty.
Still, Paul makes it clear that he is not condemning marriage or declaring it sinful. He says that those who are unmarried should not be in a hurry to change their condition, but those already married must remain faithful to their marriage (1 Corinthians 7:27). If someone does marry, they have not sinned, nor has a virgin sinned by marrying. However, such people should expect additional hardships in the present circumstances, and Paul wants to spare them that trouble (1 Corinthians 7:28). He is not imposing celibacy as a rule but offering wise counsel for a specific time and context.
Paul then offers a broader lesson: Christians should hold loosely to all things in this world. Those who have spouses, families, possessions, or even sorrows and joys must not let these dominate their hearts. He reminds them that the time is short (1 Corinthians 7:29). Relationships and emotions must be moderated by the awareness that this world is passing away. Whether we are rejoicing, weeping, or buying, we must do so with a holy detachment. We are to use this world without abusing it (1 Corinthians 7:31)—that is, without being enslaved by it or letting it replace our devotion to God.
Paul supports this perspective with two reasons. First, time is short (1 Corinthians 7:29). Life is brief, and our opportunity to serve God in this world is limited. Second, the world as we know it is passing away (1 Corinthians 7:31). Everything we see and experience is temporary. Therefore, it is unwise to place our affections on things that will soon disappear.
He then emphasizes the importance of being free from worldly distractions in order to serve God wholeheartedly (1 Corinthians 7:32). While being careless is wrong, being overly anxious and preoccupied with worldly matters also hinders devotion to God. Worship must be undivided and sincere (1 Corinthians 7:35). The fewer the distractions, the more one is free to serve the Lord. Therefore, Paul encourages believers to choose a condition in life that helps them avoid unnecessary care and focus more on the Lord.
This principle also informs his advice about marriage. Those who are married inevitably take on the responsibility of pleasing their spouse (1 Corinthians 7:33-34). Though marriage itself is honorable and holy, it involves obligations that can distract from wholehearted service to God. At that time, the unmarried were better positioned to focus on the Lord without the added concerns of marriage.
Paul is not exalting singleness as more holy than marriage but is offering practical guidance based on the pressures of that moment. He encourages every believer to consider which state—married or single—will allow them to serve God best. In some cases, singleness provides greater freedom for spiritual focus. In others, marriage may help guard against distractions or temptations. Each person must prayerfully evaluate their situation and choose the path that offers the best help and the fewest hindrances in their walk with God and pursuit of salvation.