Albert Barnes Commentary 1 Corinthians 7:25

"Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: but I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be trustworthy." — 1 Corinthians 7:25 (ASV)

Now concerning virgins. This begins the third subject on which Paul's opinion seems to have been asked by the church at Corinth: whether it was proper for those who had unmarried daughters, or wards, to give them in marriage. The reason this question was proposed may have been that many in the church at Corinth were advocates of celibacy, perhaps on two grounds:

1. Some may have supposed that in the existing state of things—the persecutions and trials to which Christians were exposed—it would be advisable for a man who had unmarried daughters, or wards, to keep them from the additional cares and trials to which they would be exposed with a family.

2. Some may have already been advocates for celibacy, maintaining that that state was more favorable to piety and was altogether to be preferred.

It is known that this opinion had an early prevalence and gave rise to the establishment of nunneries in the papal church—an opinion that has everywhere been attended with licentiousness and corruption. It is not improbable that there may have been advocates for this opinion even in the church of Corinth; and it was well, therefore, that an apostle's authority should be employed to sanction and honor the marriage union.

I have no commandment, and so on. This means no positive, express revelation. (See my notes on 1 Corinthians 7:6 and 1 Corinthians 7:10).

Yet I give my judgment. I give my opinion or advice. (See my note on 1 Corinthians 2:6).

As one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord. As a Christian; one who has been pardoned, whose mind has been enlightened, and who has been endowed with the grace of God.

To be faithful. Faithful to my God. As one who would not give advice for any selfish, mercenary, or worldly consideration; as one known to act from a desire to honor God and to seek the best interests of the church, even though there is no explicit command.

The advice of such a man—a devoted, faithful, self-denying, experienced Christian—is entitled to respectful deference, even where there is no claim to inspiration.

Religion qualifies one to give advice; and the advice of a man who has no selfish ends to gratify, and who is known to seek supremely the glory of God, should not be disregarded or slighted. Paul had a special claim to give this advice, because he was the founder of the church at Corinth.

("virgins": "single persons"; "commandment": compare 1 Corinthians 7:6, 10, 40)

("faithful": compare 1 Timothy 1:12)