1 Corinthians 7:26

1 Corinthians 7:26. think therefore that this is good by reason of the distress that is upon us, namely, that it is good for. man to be as he is.

'I think therefore' -the language of one giving advice. 'Paul proceeds to express therefore the previously mentioned judgement, and call it his opinion, not because he is uncertain, but simply because it is not. command, but advice.' (Robertson p. 131)

'that this is good' -good advice,. recommended course of action,. good situation to be in,. smart move.

'by reason of the distress' -'This is the first expression of the reason for his advice' (Fee p. 328).

Point to Note:

The following advice was given to Christians in. particular situation. Under different circumstances, Paul told/advised people to marry. (1 Timothy 5:14)

'that is upon us' -'in view of the impending distress, suggesting that "present" really means "that which is about to come present". But that seems to fly full in the face of Paul's usage elsewhere, where the term "present" invariably means what is already present in contrast to what is yet to come. (1 Corinthians 3:22; Romans 8:38). Therefore, whatever the "crisis" is, for Paul is it something they are already experiencing.' (Fee p. 329)

-signifies "present" rather than "impending". (Gr. Ex. N.T. p. 831)

Points to Note:

1. Many commentators view the "present distress" as the period of time before the Second Coming of Christ.. like what McGuiggan says here, 'Tut, tut.. hardly think that Paul would contradict what he wrote in 2 Thessalonians 2:1 ff (not to mention what he wrote in 1 Thessalonians 5:1 and 2 Thessalonians 3:6). Nor do. think that Paul would view the return of Christ as. "distress" of any kind.' (p. 113)

'let me say that some have not considered the implications of the idea that Paul expected the Second Coming of Christ to occur shortly after he penned this epistle in relation to the doctrine of inspiration. If the inspired writings err with reference to the second coming, they might also err in other places such as, for example, in the doctrine of God.' (Willis p. 246)

Paul didn't view the Second Coming as "distressful", he welcomed it. (1 Corinthians 16:22 'O our Lord come!' The meaning of the term Maranatha).

2. Others view the "present distress" as the destruction of Jerusalem which would take place in A.D. 70. And yet, it seems hard to connect how the persecution of Jews in Palestine would have. serious affect on. congregation of Christians (many of them Gentiles) in Corinth.

3. The distress may have been. local persecution. When Paul wrote this letter, he was suffering persecution in Ephesus. (1 Corinthians 15:32/1 Corinthians 16:8; 1 Corinthians 4:9-13)