1 Corinthians 7:8,9 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

I say, therefore I give this advice; to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them It is a condition of life which will tend to promote their eternal welfare, that, if they conveniently can, they abide even as I Namely, unmarried; for that Paul was then single is certain: and from Acts 7:58, compared with the following parts of the history, it seems probable that he always was so. It may not be improper to observe, that many of the things which the apostle delivers here, as also chap. 14., and in some other parts of this epistle, are rather to be considered as advices about what was best to be done in many particular cases, to which the general precepts, or doctrine of the gospel revealed to this apostle, did not descend, than as commands, enjoining these things to the believers, under the penalty of their contracting guilt, and exposing themselves to the divine displeasure, if they did not comply with them. Yet these also were directions, or counsels of the Lord, concerning what was expedient to be done, and were delivered to the apostle by the infallible inspiration of the Holy Spirit, (as appears by comparing 1 Corinthians 14:37; 2Co 1:17; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-2; 1 Thessalonians 4:8; with 1 Corinthians 14:40,) and were faithfully delivered by him; and therefore the assent of the Corinthians is required to them as such. See the like advice concerning some particular charities of the Corinthians, 2 Corinthians 8:8; 2 Corinthians 8:10; the apostle distinguishing between the commands of God, which none might disobey without sin, and these advices, concerning what was fitting and proper, though not absolutely necessary. And therefore, as he directs, that it was better to observe them, so he acknowledges that there was no command that made it unlawful to omit them. But if they cannot Live continently, or preserve themselves in purity of body and spirit in a single state; let them marry Especially the younger widows, (1 Timothy 5:14,) or widowers; for it is better to marry And suffer the inconveniences attending marriage, than to be tormented with unchaste desires.