20 Each man must remain in that condition in which he was called . 21 Were you called while a slave ? Do not worry about it; but if you are able also to become free , rather do that. 22 For he who was called in the Lord while a slave , is the Lord's freedman ; likewise he who was called while free , is Christ's slave . 23 You were bought with a price ; do not become slaves of men . 24 Brethren , each one is to remain with God in that condition in which he was called .

25 Now concerning virgins I have no command of the Lord , but I give an opinion as one who by the mercy of the Lord is trustworthy . 26 I think then that this is good in view of the present distress , that it is good for a man to remain as he is. 27 Are you bound to a wife ? Do not seek to be released . Are you released from a wife ? Do not seek a wife . 28 But if you marry , you have not sinned ; and if a virgin marries , she has not sinned . Yet such will have trouble in this life , and I am trying to spare you. 29 But this I say , brethren , the time has been shortened , so that from now on those who have wives should be as though they had none ; 30 and those who weep , as though they did not weep ; and those who rejoice , as though they did not rejoice ; and those who buy , as though they did not possess ; 31 and those who use the world , as though they did not make full use of it; for the form of this world is passing away . 32 But I want you to be free from concern . One who is unmarried is concerned about the things of the Lord , how he may please the Lord ; 33 but one who is married is concerned about the things of the world , how he may please his wife , 34 and his interests are divided . The woman who is unmarried , and the virgin , is concerned about the things of the Lord , that she may be holy both in body and spirit ; but one who is married is concerned about the things of the world , how she may please her husband . 35 This I say for your own benefit ; not to put a restraint upon you, but to promote what is appropriate and to secure undistracted devotion to the Lord .

36 But if any man thinks that he is acting unbecomingly toward his virgin daughter, if she is past her youth , and if it must be so , let him do what he wishes , he does not sin ; let her marry . 37 But he who stands firm in his heart , being under no constraint , but has authority over his own will , and has decided this in his own heart , to keep his own virgin daughter, he will do well . 38 So then both he who gives his own virgin daughter in marriage does well , and he who does not give her in marriage will do better .

39 A wife is bound as long as her husband lives ; but if her husband is dead , she is free to be married to whom she wishes , only in the Lord . 40 But in my opinion she is happier if she remains as she is; and I think that I also have the Spirit of God .

Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 7:20-40

Commentary on 1 Corinthians 7:17-24

(Read 1 Corinthians 7:17-24)

The rules of Christianity reach every condition; and in every state a man may live so as to be a credit to it. It is the duty of every Christian to be content with his lot, and to conduct himself in his rank and place as becomes a Christian. Our comfort and happiness depend on what we are to Christ, not what we are in the world. No man should think to make his faith or religion, an argument to break through any natural or civil obligations. He should quietly and contentedly abide in the condition in which he is placed by Divine Providence.

Commentary on 1 Corinthians 7:25-35

(Read 1 Corinthians 7:25-35)

Considering the distress of those times, the unmarried state was best. Notwithstanding, the apostle does not condemn marriage. How opposite are those to the apostle Paul who forbid many to marry, and entangle them with vows to remain single, whether they ought to do so or not! He exhorts all Christians to holy indifference toward the world. As to relations; they must not set their hearts on the comforts of the state. As to afflictions; they must not indulge the sorrow of the world: even in sorrow the heart may be joyful. As to worldly enjoyments; here is not their rest. As to worldly employment; those that prosper in trade, and increase in wealth, should hold their possessions as though they held them not. As to all worldly concerns; they must keep the world out of their hearts, that they may not abuse it when they have it in their hands. All worldly things are show; nothing solid. All will be quickly gone. Wise concern about worldly interests is a duty; but to be full of care, to have anxious and perplexing care, is a sin. By this maxim the apostle solves the case whether it were advisable to marry. That condition of life is best for every man, which is best for his soul, and keeps him most clear of the cares and snares of the world. Let us reflect on the advantages and snares of our own condition in life; that we may improve the one, and escape as far as possible all injury from the other. And whatever cares press upon the mind, let time still be kept for the things of the Lord.

Commentary on 1 Corinthians 7:36-40

(Read 1 Corinthians 7:36-40)

The apostle is thought to give advice here about the disposal of children in marriage. In this view, the general meaning is plain. Children should seek and follow the directions of their parents as to marriage. And parents should consult their children's wishes; and not reckon they have power to do with them, and dictate just as they please, without reason. The whole is closed with advice to widows. Second marriages are not unlawful, so that it is kept in mind, to marry in the Lord. In our choice of relations, and change of conditions, we should always be guided by the fear of God, and the laws of God, and act in dependence on the providence of God. Change of condition ought only to be made after careful consideration, and on probable grounds, that it will be to advantage in our spiritual concerns.