1Cor 7:40 Cross References

1 Corinthians 7:40

40: But in my opinion it will be better for her if she doesn't marry again, and I think I am giving you counsel from God's Spirit when I say this.

I am saying this for your benefit, not to place restrictions on you. I want you to do whatever will help you serve the Lord best, with as few distractions as possible.

Do you think that the knowledge of God's word begins and ends with you Corinthians? Well, you are mistaken!
If you claim to be a prophet or think you are very spiritual, you should recognize that what I am saying is a command from the Lord himself.

You have made me act like a fool--boasting like this. You ought to be writing commendations for me, for I am not at all inferior to these "super apostles," even though I am nothing at all.

I may seem to be boasting too much about the authority given to us by the Lord. But this authority is to build you up, not to tear you down. And I will not be put to shame by having my work among you destroyed.
Now this is not just an attempt to frighten you by my letters.
For some say, "Don't worry about Paul. His letters are demanding and forceful, but in person he is weak, and his speeches are really bad!"

Now I say to those who aren't married and to widows--it's better to stay unmarried, just as I am.

Do I not have as much freedom as anyone else? Am I not an apostle? Haven't I seen Jesus our Lord with my own eyes? Isn't it because of my hard work that you are in the Lord?
Even if others think I am not an apostle, I certainly am to you, for you are living proof that I am the Lord's apostle.
This is my answer to those who question my authority as an apostle.

Anyone who refuses to live by these rules is not disobeying human rules but is rejecting God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.

Now about the questions you asked in your letter. Yes, it is good to live a celibate life.

And remember, the Lord is waiting so that people have time to be saved. This is just as our beloved brother Paul wrote to you with the wisdom God gave him--
speaking of these things in all of his letters. Some of his comments are hard to understand, and those who are ignorant and unstable have twisted his letters around to mean something quite different from what he meant, just as they do the other parts of Scripture--and the result is disaster for them.

Now, about the young women who are not yet married. I do not have a command from the Lord for them. But the Lord in his kindness has given me wisdom that can be trusted, and I will share it with you.
Because of the present crisis, I think it is best to remain just as you are.

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