1 Corinthians 7:8

8 But I tell the unmarried, and women who are widows, that it is well for them to remain as I am.

1 Corinthians 7:8 Meaning and Commentary

1 Corinthians 7:8

I say therefore to the unmarried and widows
Not by way of command, but advice: by the "unmarried" he means, either such men who never were in a married state, or else such who had been married, but their wives were dead; which latter sense seems more agreeable, since they are joined with "widows", who had lost their husbands:

it is good for them if they abide;
unmarried, and do not change their condition any more; not that it was sinful to marry again, for he allows of it in the next verse, in case they have not the gift of continence; and therefore "good" here, is not opposed to evil, only signifies that it would be better for them, more expedient and profitable for them; they would be more free from the cares of life, have less trouble, and be more at leisure to serve the Lord; and which he knew by experience, and therefore, proposes himself as an example:

even as I;
that is, as he was then; for at that time it seems certain that he had no wife; though whether he had had one, and she was now dead, or whether he had never been married, may be matter of dispute; the former seems most agreeable, since he proposes himself as an example to widowers and widows; and having known what a married and single state both were, was better able to give his judgment of both, and proper advice to such persons which must come with more force and strength, and a better grace, from such an one.

1 Corinthians 7:8 In-Context

6 Thus much in the way of concession, not of command.

7 Yet I would that everybody lived as I do; but each of us has his own special gift from God--one in one direction and one in another.

8 But I tell the unmarried, and women who are widows, that it is well for them to remain as I am.

9 If, however, they cannot maintain self-control, by all means let them marry; for marriage is better than the fever of passion.

10 But to those already married my instructions are--yet not mine, but the Lord's--that a wife is not to leave her husband;