THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PAUL THE APOSTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS - Chapter 7 - Verse 25

Verse 25. Now concerning virgins. This commences the third subject on which the opinion of Paul seems to have been asked by the church at Corinth—whether it was proper that those who had unmarried daughters, or wards, should give them in marriage. The reason why this question was proposed may have been, that many in the church at Corinth were the advocates of celibacy, and this, perhaps, on two grounds:

(1.) Some may have supposed that in the existing state of things—the persecutions and trials to which Christians were exposed—it would be advisable that a man who had unmarried daughters, or wards, should keep them from the additional cares and trials to which they would be exposed with a family; and,

(2.) some may have already been the advocates for celibacy, and have maintained that that state was more favourable to piety, and was altogether to be preferred. It is known that that opinion had an early prevalence, and gave rise to the establishment of nunneries in the papal church; an opinion that has everywhere been attended with licentiousness and corruption. It is not improbable that there may have been advocates for this opinion even in the church of Corinth; and it was well, therefore, that the authority of an apostle should be employed to sanction and to honour the marriage union.

I have no commandment, etc. No positive, express revelation. See Barnes "1 Co 7:6, See Barnes "1 Co 7:10".

Yet I give my judgment. I give my opinion, or advice. See Barnes "1 Co 2:6".

As one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord. As a Christian; one who has been pardoned, whose mind has been enlightened, and who has been endued with the grace of God.

To be faithful. Faithful to my God. As one who would not give advice for any selfish, or mercenary, or worldly consideration; as one known to act from a desire to. honour God, and to seek the best interests of the church, even though there is no explicit command. The advice of such a man—a devoted, faithful, self-denying, experienced Christian—is entitled to respectful deference, even where there is no claim to inspiration. Religion qualifies to give advice; and the advice of a man who has no selfish ends to gratify, and who is known to seek supremely the glory of God, should not be disregarded or slighted. Paul had a special claim to give this advice, because he was the founder of the church at Corinth.

{*} "virgins" "Single persons" {d} "commandment" 1 Co 7:6,10,40

{e} "faithful" 1 Ti 1:12