1 Corinthians 7:40

Paul expressed his opinion, that a widow would probably be better off to remain unmarried, with a very light touch, one that he used throughout this chapter. This decision, as well as all decisions about whether to marry or not, pivots on a delicate balance. Paul later acknowledged that given certain conditions some widows would usually be better off to marry (cf. 1 Timothy 5:9-13). For example, faced with the prospect of choosing between a fine Christian husband and a life of destitute poverty it would probably be better for her to remarry. However if all other things were equal, the single state seemed preferable to the apostle. Notice that the issue is the widow’s happiness, not her obedience.

Paul undoubtedly knew he represented the mind of the Spirit in what he said. He simply expressed himself as he did to avoid laying too much weight on his preference.

This chapter is one of the central passages on the subject of marriage in the Bible (cf. Deuteronomy 24; Matthew 5; Matthew 19; Mark 10). [Note: See the bibliography of these notes for other helpful resources on this subject.] It reveals that Paul was not a hard-nosed bigot and advocate of celibacy, as some have accused him of being. He was extremely careful to distinguish his personal preferences in amoral aspects of this subject from the Lord’s will. Even when the will of God was unequivocal (e.g., 1 Corinthians 7:39) he did not "pound the pulpit" but simply explained God’s will in irenic fashion. May all of us who preach and teach on this sensitive subject follow his example.