Good for the Present Distress 1 Corinthians 7:26

Paul the apostle had “no commandment of the Lord” “concerning virgins”, yet he gave his “judgment, as one that has obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful”. In chapter seven and verse twenty-six of First Corinthians, Paul told the church members what is, “good for the present distress” where we read:

I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, I say, that it is good for a man so to be.

The verse begins, “I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, ...” Paul began with the words, “I suppose” which means “Paul held and followed by custom or usage, deemed and thought” “therefore” or “then, accordingly, consequently and these things being so” “that this is good” which means “this thing of being faithful is come forth, ready and at hand as beautiful, excellent, eminent, choice, surpassing, precious, useful, suitable, commendable and admirable” “for the present” which means “through, by reason and account of the impending, at hand and threatening” “distress” or “necessity which is imposed either by the circumstances or by law of duty regarding to one's advantage, custom, argument which includes calamity and straits”. Paul considered it a “commendable and admirable” state to be a “virgin” or “unmarried” during the “present” difficult conditions of his day.

The verse goes on to say, “... I say, that it is good for a man so to be.” Paul added the words, “I say” which means “Paul uttered, declared and proclaimed because and since” “that it is good” or “it is beautiful, excellent, eminent, choice, surpassing, precious, useful, suitable, commendable and admirable” “for a man” which means “for a human being whether male or female” “so to be” or “thus and in this manner to exist, happen and be present”. Paul said being single was a “commendable and admirable” state to “exist and be present”.

When we consider these words from Paul, we realize being “single” was “good” during the times in which he lived. Being “married” carried with it extra details that were not required of “single” people, and Paul thought there was an advantage in the kingdom of God for this state. We must keep in mind he was addressing and encouraging the “church members” in Corinth who were “virgins” or “unmarried”. Because conditions in the world can be so difficult sometimes, a relationship with Jesus Christ is the primary one in which people in the church should rely. If we are “married”, we should remain so, and if we are single, according to Paul, we should continue in it – if possible. Let us keep seeking the Lord Jesus in this matter, and remember that our relationship with Him is the most important in these trying times.

Next time Paul tells the church members what to do if they, “are bound” or “loosed from a wife”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.