Of Yirgins and Widows. Vs. 25-40.
Li this portion of the chapter the apostle treats principally of the marriage of virgins — including, however, the young of both sexes. On this subject he says he was not authorized to speak with authority, but simply to advise, v. 25. His advice was, on account of the impendmg troubles, that they should not marry, vs. 26. 27. It was not wrong to marry, but it would expose them to greater suffering, v. 28. Besides, they should consider the transitory nature of all earthly ties. The fashion of the world was passing away, vs. 29-31. Still fur- ther, a single life was freer from worldly cares. The unmar- ried could consecrate themselves without distraction to the service of the Lord, vs. 32-35. To parents he says, that, if circumstances render it desirable, they might without hesita- tion give their daughters in marriage, v. 36. But if they were free to act on their own judgment, his advice was to keep them unmarried, vs. 37. 38. Marriage can only be dissolved by death. After the death of her husband, a woman is at liberty to marry again ; but she should intermarry only with a Christian ; and in Paul's judgment, her happiness would be promoted by remaining single, vs. 39. 40.
25. Now concerning virgins I have no command- ment of the Lord : yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful.
N'ow (8e, but,) serves to resume the connection broken off by the preceding digression. *But to resume my subject,' which in this chapter is marriage. Concerning virgins, (irap- ^€voL.) The word properly means maidens, though as an ad- jective it is used of both sexes. Rev. 14, 4. I have no com- mandment of the Lord. That is, neither Christ himself, nor the Spirit of Christ, by whom Paul was guided, had commis- sioned him to do any thing more than to counsel these per- sons. He was inspired, or led by the Spirit, in this matter, not to command, but to advise. His advice, however, was worthy of great deference. It was not merely the counsel of a wise and experienced man ; but of one who had obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful, i. e. worthy of confidence, one who could be trusted. This is a sense the word (ttio-tos) often has, as in the expressions, " faithftil saying," " faithful witness." Paul felt himself indebted to the mercy of Christ