John Calvin Commentary 1 Corinthians 7:35

"And this I say for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is seemly, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction." — 1 Corinthians 7:35 (ASV)

And this for your benefit. Observe the Apostle’s moderation. Though he knew the vexations, troubles, and difficulties of married life, and, on the other hand, the advantages of celibacy, yet he does not venture to prescribe. On the contrary, having commended celibacy, and being afraid that some of his readers might be led away by such commendations, and might immediately say within themselves what the Apostles said in reply to Christ—It is good, therefore, so to be (Matthew 19:10)—without, in the meantime, considering their ability, he here declares explicitly that he points out, indeed, what is most advantageous, but does not wish to impose a necessity on anyone.

And here you have two things worth observing. The first is for what purpose celibacy is to be desired—not on its own account, nor on the ground of its being a state that is nearer to perfection, but that we may cleave to God without distraction—that being the one thing a Christian person should exclusively look to throughout their whole life.

The second thing is that no snare must be placed upon people’s consciences to keep anyone back from marriage, but that everyone must be allowed liberty. It is well known what grievous errors have been made on both these points. As to the second point, those certainly have been bolder than Paul, who have not hesitated to pass a law concerning celibacy, with the aim of prohibiting all clergy from marriage.

The same may be said of those who have made vows of perpetual continence, which are snares by which many thousands of souls have been drawn into endless ruin. Therefore, if the Holy Spirit has spoken by the mouth of Paul, Papists cannot clear themselves from the crime of fighting against God (Acts 5:39), while binding people’s consciences in a matter in which He intended for them to remain free—unless, perhaps, He has since that time adopted a new plan to construct a snare that He had previously disapproved of.