John Calvin Commentary 1 Corinthians 7:26

"I think therefore that this is good by reason of the distress that is upon us, [namely,] that it is good for a man to be as he is." — 1 Corinthians 7:26 (ASV)

I think therefore that this is good. While I translate this passage of Paul’s writings differently from Erasmus or the Vulgate, I at the same time do not differ from them as to its meaning. They divide Paul’s words in such a way that the same thing is repeated twice.

I, on the other hand, make it simply one proposition, and not without authority, for I follow ancient and approved manuscripts, which make it all one sentence, with merely a colon between. The meaning is this: “I think it expedient on account of the necessity, with which the saints are always harassed in this life, that all should enjoy the liberty and advantage of celibacy, as this would be of advantage to them.” There are some, however, who view the term necessity as referring to the age of the Apostle, which was, undoubtedly, full of trouble to the pious; but he appears to me to have had it rather in view to express the disquietude with which the saints are incessantly harassed in the present life.

I view it, therefore, as extending to all ages, and I understand it in this way: that the saints are often, in this world, driven here and there, and are exposed to many and various tempests, so that their condition appears to be unsuitable for marriage. The phrase so to be signifies to remain unmarried, or to abstain from marriage.