1 Corinthians 7:24-28 NIV

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 7:25

Now concerning virgins - This was another subject on which the Church at Corinth had asked the advice of the apostle. The word παρθενος , virgin, we take to signify a pure, unmarried young woman; but it is evident that the word in this place means young unmarried persons of either sex, as appears from 1 Corinthians 7:26 , 1 Corinthians 7:27 , 1 Corinthians 7:32-34 , and from Revelation 14:4 . The word παρθενος , virgin, is frequently applied to men as well as to women. See... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 7:26

This is good for the present distress - There was no period in the heathen times when the Church was not under persecutions and afflictions; on some occasions these were more oppressive than at others. The word αναγκη signifies, necessity, distress, tribulation, and calamity; as it does in Luke 21:23 ; 2 Corinthians 6:4 ; 2 Corinthians 12:10 . In such times, when the people of God had no certain dwelling-place, when they were lying at the mercy of their enemies without any... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 7:27

Art thou bound unto a wife? - i.e. Married; for the marriage contract was considered in the light of a bond. Seek not to be loosed - Neither regret your circumstances, notwithstanding the present distress, nor seek on this account for a dissolution of the marriage contract. But if thou art under no matrimonial engagements, do not for the present enter into any. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 7:28

But, and if thou marry - As there is no law against this, even in the present distress, thou hast not sinned, because there is no law against this; and it is only on account of prudential reasons that I give this advice. And if a virgin marry - Both the man and the woman have equal privileges in this case; either of them may marry without sin. It is probable, as there were many sects and parties in Corinth, that there were among them those who forbade to marry, 1 Timothy 4:3 , and who... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 7:24

Verse 24 24.Let him abide with God. I have already noticed above, that men are not here bound by a perpetual necessity, so as never to have it in their power to change their condition, if at any time there should be a fit occasion for it; but that he simply represses those thoughtless humors, which hurry men hither and thither, so that they are harassed by a continual restlessness. Hence Paul says, that it is all one in the sight of God what a person’s manner of life is in this world, inasmuch... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 7:25

Verse 25 25.Concerning virgins He now returns to treat of marriage, of which he had begun to speak in the commencement of the chapter. What he is now about to state he had previously touched upon, but briefly and somewhat obscurely. He accordingly intimates more explicitly what his views are respecting virginity; but as it is a matter that is liable to be misapprehended, and is full of difficulties, he always speaks, as we shall see, conditionally. Virgins here I understand as meaning... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 7:26

Verse 26 26.I think therefore that this is good. While I translate this passage of Paul’s writings differently from Erasmus or the Vulgate, I at the same time do not differ from them as to its meaning. They divide Paul’s words in such a way, that the same thing is repeated twice. I, on the other hand, make it simply one proposition, and not without authority, for I follow ancient and approved manuscripts, which make it all one sentence, with merely a colon between. The meaning is this: “I think... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 7:27

Verse 27 27.Art thou bound to a wife? Having stated what would be most advantageous, he adds at the same time, that we ought not to be so much influenced by the advantages of celibacy, that one that is bound by the tie of marriage should shake off the connection. It is therefore a restriction upon the preceding statement, lest any one, influenced by his commendation of celibacy, should turn his thoughts to it, and despise marriage, forgetful of his necessity or of his calling Now in these words... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 7:28

Verse 28 28.But if thou shouldest even marry. As there was a danger of one’s thinking from the preceding statement, that he tempted God, if he knowingly and willingly bound himself to marriage, (as that would be to renounce his liberty,) he removes this scruple; for he gives liberty to widows to marry, and says, that those that marry do not sin. The word even also seems to be emphatic — to intimate, that even though there be no positive necessity urging to it, the unmarried are not prohibited... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 7:1-35

Celibacy and marriage. The Corinthian Christians had written to the apostle for direction respecting the relative desirability and recumbency of single and wedded life. Probably some of them regarded marriage as obligatory, and others perhaps looked upon it as an evil. Amongst Gentiles there was at this period strong tendency towards celibacy. The reputation of Corinth was, moreover, an unenviable for wantonness and uncleanness. There was therefore great need for full and explicit... read more

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 7:25

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 7:26

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 7:27

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 7:28

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 7:24

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 7:25

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 7:26

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 7:27

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 7:28

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 7:1-35

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