1 Corinthians 7:32

Without carefulness. Gr. amerimnoi, “free from anxious care” (cf. on Matt. 6:25). The context of this passage shows that the counsel here given has specific reference to times of crisis or emergency, such as the persecution that attended profession of faith in Christ in the Roman Empire in the 1st century. It is not desirable, in such times, that Christians should do anything to increase the trouble and anxiety they must inevitably face; therefore it may be better for them to deny themselves the privilege of marrying. The married man is likely to have more material responsibilities than a single man. However, this does not necessarily mean that he cannot give himself as fully to the Lord as may one who is single. Indeed, when both parties to a marriage are wholly consecrated to God, the result will be increased devotion to God.

Belong to the Lord. That is, things pertaining to religion, spiritual matters, as contrasted with the affairs pertaining to this earthly life. The “unmarried” is not burdened by family responsibilities. His time and energy are not consumed in providing for the material needs of a family, particularly in days of trial and persecution. He is at liberty to give his undivided attention to the things that are connected with the advancement of the kingdom of God. Paul personally preferred such a course. Thus it is right for a man, if he so desires, to remain unmarried and give himself to the work of the Lord. But Paul has already made clear (vs. 2-9) that for the great majority marriage is better (see on Matt. 19:10-12). Celibacy is not in itself a condition of greater purity or honor than marriage. That fact needs to be kept clearly in mind in order to protect against a fallacious conclusion that some have reached in their study of this 7th chapter. Paul, who in some passages in this chapter might seem to picture the unmarried state as more honorable, elsewhere extols the values and the virtues of marriage and the Christian home (see Eph. 5:21-32; cf. Heb. 13:4).