What does 1 Corinthians 7:26 mean?
Paul repeats the main idea of this chapter again: that Christians aren't mandated to seek radical, artificial change in their lives on account of their faith. And, that there are benefits to being single. This time, Paul adds additional reason for his personal stance. He has repeatedly instructed Christians to remain in whatever situation they find themselves, married or not, circumcised or not, slave or free. He has added several exceptions to this general rule (1 Corinthians 7:17–24).Now, though, he adds the motivation of dealing with the "present distress" or "present crisis." Bible scholars disagree about what distress, exactly, he means by this. Perhaps the Corinthians have or will soon come under persecution for their faith in Christ. Others believe Paul to be speaking, generally, about the stress that comes from living during the final arc of human history before the return of Christ.
In any case, Paul considers these troubles reason enough not to complicate life further. There is no point in going to great lengths to purposefully change one's circumstances. Keep going on the path you're on, he says. Later in this passage, though, he asks them to think about the extra anxiety and burden that comes with being responsible for and to a spouse.
First Corinthians 7:25–40 explores Paul's response to a question about those who are engaged to be married. Should they go through with it, considering his teaching that singleness provides opportunity to serve Christ undivided? Both are permitted, Paul insists, and you do well in either case. Paul's unique, personal view is that unmarried Christians can serve without the troubles that come with even the best marriages; they can remain fully focused on living for Christ. That is neither a command nor a judgment binding on anyone.
Paul rejects an idea concerning the Corinthian believers: that married Christians should not have sex. Perhaps some even thought marriages should be dissolved and avoided. On the contrary, Scripture says married Christians should have regular sex in order to avoid temptation. Those who are married ought to remain married. Unmarried believers with the gift of celibacy, however, should consider remaining single in order to avoid the troubles of marriage. That is Paul's personal preference, though that gift is not given to all others. Single believers can devote themselves to serving Christ without distraction. The time is short. All believers should live and serve Christ now as if this world is passing away.
