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Commentary on 1 Corinthians 7 verses 39–40
The whole is here closed up with advice to widows: As long as the husband liveth the wife is bound by the law, confined to one husband, and bound to continue and cohabit with him. Note, The marriage - contract is for life; death only can annul the bond. But, the husband being dead, she is at liberty to marry whom she will. There is no limitation by God's law to be married only for such a number of times. It is certain, from this passage, that second marriages are not unlawful; for then the widow could not be at liberty to marry whom she pleased, nor to marry a second time at all. But the apostle asserts she has such a liberty, when her husband is dead, only with a limitation that she marry in the Lord. In our choice of relations, and change of conditions, we should always have an eye to God. Note, Marriages are likely to have God's blessing only when they are made in the Lord, when persons are guided by the fear of God, and the laws of God, and act in dependence on the providence of God, in the change and choice of a mate - when they can look up to God, and sincerely seek his direction, and humbly hope for his blessing upon their conduct. But she is happier, says the apostle, if she so abide (that is, continue a widow) in my judgment; and I think I have the Spirit of God, Co1 7:40. At this juncture, at least, if not ordinarily, it will be much more for the peace and quiet of such, and give them less hindrance in the service of God, to continue unmarried. And this, he tells them, was by inspiration of the Spirit. "Whatever your false apostles may think of me, I think, and have reason to know, that I have the Spirit of God." Note, Change of condition in marriage is so important a matter that it ought not to be made but upon due deliberation, after careful consideration of circumstances, and upon very probable grounds, at least, that it will be a change to advantage in our spiritual concerns.
"If a wife or husband die, and the widower or widow marry, does he or she commit sin?" "There is no sin in marrying again," said he; "but if they remain unmarried, they gain greater honour and glory with the Lord; but if they marry, they do not sin."
Paul adds that he has the Spirit of God in order to show that his advice is reliable.
Happy is the woman who has a husband. Happier still is the widow who can remain chaste with little effort on her part. But happiest of all is the virgin, who can attain to the highest prize without struggling.
What Paul means is that she is blessed if she marries and has a husband to protect her, but she is more blessed if, for the sake of piety, she refuses marriage and devotes herself entirely to God.
Note that Paul does not say that a woman who contracts a second marriage will be unhappy. Rather he says that she will be happier if she remains single. It is all a matter of degree.
"And I think also that I have the Spirit of God."
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SUMMARY
In 1 Corinthians 7:40, Paul concludes his extensive discourse on marriage and singleness by offering specific counsel to widows, stating his personal judgment that they would find greater happiness and blessedness if they remained unmarried. He undergirds this advice with a humble yet firm assertion of his divine inspiration, expressing his conviction that his counsel is guided by the Spirit of God. This verse encapsulates Paul's consistent theme throughout the chapter regarding the practical advantages of singleness for undivided devotion to the Lord, while simultaneously affirming the authoritative yet pastoral nature of his apostolic guidance.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices in this concluding statement. The use of Apostolic Authority is evident, as Paul, despite framing his advice as a "judgment," immediately follows it with an assertion of divine inspiration. This is a common Pauline strategy to establish the weight and source of his teaching. There is also an element of Modesty or Humility in his phrasing, "I think also that I have the Spirit of God," which avoids a boastful tone while still conveying profound confidence in his divine guidance. This rhetorical approach allows his counsel to be received as both authoritative and pastoral. Furthermore, the verse functions as a Concluding Summary and Affirmation, bringing his detailed discussion to a close with a final, Spirit-informed piece of advice that reinforces the chapter's overarching themes.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Corinthians 7:40 powerfully encapsulates several profound theological and thematic truths. It underscores the Christian understanding of freedom within God's will, particularly for those who have experienced loss. While remarriage is permitted "in the Lord," Paul elevates the spiritual advantages of singleness, not as a superior state in itself, but as one that can facilitate undivided devotion to Christ and His kingdom. This challenges societal pressures and affirms that true happiness and blessedness are found in aligning with God's purposes, which can manifest in diverse life paths. Moreover, Paul's assertion of having the "Spirit of God" highlights the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in guiding believers, particularly those in apostolic leadership, ensuring that their counsel, even when presented as personal judgment, carries divine weight and wisdom for the church.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Corinthians 7:40 offers profound insights for believers today, encouraging a thoughtful approach to life choices and a deeper reliance on divine guidance. It challenges the common cultural narrative that often equates happiness solely with marriage or romantic partnership, instead presenting singleness as a valid, even advantageous, path for some individuals seeking to devote themselves more fully to the Lord. This verse calls us to consider how our life circumstances, whether married or single, can be leveraged for God's glory and kingdom purposes. It reminds us that true blessedness is not found in conforming to societal expectations but in discerning and embracing God's unique call for our lives, trusting that His Spirit will guide us in our personal judgments and decisions, just as He guided Paul.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does Paul's "judgment" mean his advice is less authoritative than a direct command?
Answer: While Paul distinguishes his "judgment" (gnōmē) from a direct command from the Lord (epitages), his immediate assertion, "and I think also that I have the Spirit of God," indicates that his counsel is nonetheless divinely inspired and carries apostolic authority. It's not a mere human opinion but a Spirit-guided recommendation. This means it's authoritative wisdom for the church, though it might allow for more individual discretion than a direct command. It highlights that God's guidance can come in various forms, including wise counsel for specific situations, not just universal imperatives. For example, in 1 Corinthians 7:6, Paul uses a similar approach regarding marital relations.
Is Paul saying that all widows should remain unmarried?
Answer: No, Paul is not issuing a universal command. He states that a widow "is happier if she so abide," presenting it as a beneficial option rather than a strict rule. He explicitly states in 1 Corinthians 7:39 that a widow is "at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord." His counsel in verse 40 is a strong recommendation based on his assessment of the spiritual advantages of undivided devotion, not a prohibition against remarriage. The emphasis is on the potential for greater spiritual focus when unencumbered by marital responsibilities.
How can I know if my personal decisions are guided by the Spirit of God, like Paul's?
Answer: While believers today do not have the unique apostolic authority and direct inspiration that Paul possessed for writing Scripture, the Holy Spirit still guides believers in their personal decisions. This guidance comes through prayer, studying God's Word (Psalm 119:105), wise counsel from mature believers (Proverbs 11:14), and the inner witness of the Spirit (Romans 8:14). Discerning God's will is a lifelong process of walking in obedience and seeking His wisdom, trusting that He desires to lead His children in paths that bring true blessedness and honor to Him.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Corinthians 7:40 directly addresses the practicalities of singleness for widows, its underlying principles find profound Christ-centered fulfillment. Paul's counsel for undivided devotion to the Lord echoes the ultimate example of Jesus Christ, who lived a life of singular focus on His Father's will, unencumbered by earthly familial ties, to accomplish the work of redemption (John 4:34). His ultimate "happiness" or blessedness was found in perfect obedience, even to the point of death on the cross (Philippians 2:8). Furthermore, Paul's confidence in having the "Spirit of God" points to Christ's promise to send the Holy Spirit as the Helper and Guide for His disciples (John 14:26). The Spirit, whom Christ poured out after His ascension (Acts 2:33), continues to empower believers to live lives of focused devotion, whether single or married, enabling them to pursue the "happier" path of living fully for the Lord who bought them with His own blood (1 Corinthians 6:20). Thus, the Spirit-guided counsel for singleness ultimately serves to orient believers more fully towards Christ and His kingdom, reflecting His own single-minded pursuit of God's redemptive purposes.