1 Corinthians 7:8

“I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, etc.] Not by way of command, but advice: by the “unmarried” he means, either such men who never were in a married state, or else such who had been married, but their wives were dead; which latter sense seems more agreeable, since they are joined with “widows”, who had lost their husbands: it is good for them if they abide; unmarried, and do not change their condition any more; not that it was sinful to marry again, for he allows of it in the next verse, in case they have not the gift of continence; and therefore “good” here, is not opposed to evil, only signifies that it would be better for them, more expedient and profitable for them; they would…”

“to the unmarried--in general, of both sexes (Co1 7:10-11). and widows--in particular. even as I--unmarried (Co1 9:5).”

“It is good for them - It may be advisable, in the present circumstances of persecution and distress, not to be encumbered with the cares and anxieties of a family; see 1 Corinthians 7:26, 1 Corinthians 7:32-34. The word unmarried (ἀγάμοις agamois) may refer either to those who had never been married, or to widowers. It here means simply those who were at that time unmarried, and his reasoning applies to both classes. And to widows - The apostle specifies these, though he had not specified “widowers” particularly. The reason of this distinction seems to be, that he considers more particularly the case of those females who had never been married, in the close of the chapter, 1 Corinthians…”

“It is good for them if they remain even as I - That St. Paul was then single is certain and from Act 7:58, compared with the following parts of the history, it seems probable that he always was so. It does not appear that this declaration, any more than Co1 7:1, hath any reference at all to a state of persecution. 1 Corinthians 7:10”

“7:8-9 Paul’s general advice is that it’s better to stay unmarried because of the opportunities it provides to serve Christ without distraction (7:32-35). But even with its distractions, an honorable marriage is much better than living a life dominated by unsatisfied sexual desire.”

“Co1 7:26, Co1 7:27, Co1 7:32, Co1 7:34, Co1 7:35 1 Corinthians 7:9”