Good to Abide as Paul 1 Corinthians 7:8

Paul the apostle told the church members in Corinth concerning marriage he “would that all men were even as” himself, but he recognized that “every man has his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that”. In chapter seven and verse eight of First Corinthians, Paul told the church members who were “unmarried and widows”, “it is good for them if they abide even as I” where we read:

I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I.

The verse begins, “I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, ...” Paul began with the words, “I say” or “Paul affirmed, maintained, exhorted, advised, commanded and directed” “therefore” which means “moreover and”“to the unmarried” or “unwedded and single” “and widows” which means “the deficiency of women whose husbands have died”. Paul addressed those who were “single” within the church.

The verse continues, “... It is good for them if they abide even as I.” Paul added the words, “it is good” which means “it is beautiful, handsome, excellent, eminent, choice, surpassing, precious, useful, suitable, commendable and admirable” “for them” which refers to “those who are single within the church”“if they abide” which means “in case they remain, sojourn, tarry, continue to be present and not depart” “even as I” which refers to “Paul the apostle”. Paul declared it was a “beautiful and precious thing” if “single” people would continue to be “single”.

When we consider these words from Paul, we understand he elaborated concerning people being “as he” was in the world. Paul felt it was an advantage in the kingdom of God to be a “single” person, and those who were “single” because they had never married or those who were “single” because their spouse had died, he desired to remain in that condition. We should keep in mind that Paul was concerned for the relationship people had with Jesus Christ, and since that relationship was preeminent over all others, he personally felt it easier to maintain as a “single” person. We shall learn more concerning this issue from Paul, but for now, let us live in a manner that is pleasing to God whether we are “single” or “married”.

Next time Paul tells the “unmarried and widows”, “if they cannot contain, let them marry”, 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.