1 Corinthians 7:29

Time. Gr. kairos, a specific point or period of time (see on Rom. 13:11). The Lord Himself urged believers to live in expectancy of His second coming and the end of the world (see Matt. 24:42, 44; 25:13; Mark 13:32-37). The teachings of Jesus and His apostles show that the great business of life is to prepare for a home in God’s kingdom of eternal glory (see Matt. 6:19-21, 33; 10:38, 39; Mark 10:21). The time in which this preparation can be made has always been presented as short (see on Rom. 13:11). For us today the investigative judgment is rapidly drawing to a close, and when it is finished it will be forever too late to obtain a fitness for heaven. Therefore all should make certain of their acceptance as candidates for the kingdom of glory (see Isa. 55:6, 7; Dan. 8:14; 9:24-27; Rom. 9:28; 2 Cor. 6:2; Heb. 3:13; 2 Peter 1:10; Rev. 22:10-12). All should live in such close communion with Heaven that no matter when the call comes to lay down the cares of this life, they will not be taken unawares (see Mark 13:35-37; Luke 18:1; 21:34-36; 1 Thess. 5:1-6,17, 22, 23). The Christian who is awake to this tremendous fact that he should ever be ready to meet God, will not set his affections on things earthly. He will be constantly aware of the uncertainty of life and the temporary, transitory nature of this world, and will live in a state of continual readiness for the coming of the Lord (see Col. 3:1,2).

It remaineth. In view of the shortness of time available for men to prepare for eternity — at best, the time is no longer than the short life span — Christians will not bind themselves too strongly to earthly ties and possessions. They will not allow anything, not even family relationships, to interfere with their determination to be ready for heaven.

Had none. The foregoing argument leads to the conclusion that no other choice is left for those having wives but that they refuse to allow the married state to lead to forgetfulness of their obligation to be in touch with Heaven all the time. In other words, the cares, responsibilities, and pleasures of marriage are to be made secondary to the great objective of life, which is constant communion with the Lord and eager readiness for His coming. This verse emphasizes the truth that under all circumstances and at all times, love for God and obedience to His requirements are to have full priority in the life of the believer (see Deut. 6:5; 10:12; Eccl. 12:13; Matt. 22:37, 38). This verse is not to be understood as teaching any lack of affection or kindness in the marriage relation, or as contradicting Paul’s specific instruction in the opening verses of this chapter.