http://biblebitbybit.blogspot.com/2016/01/1-corinthians-7-v-39-40.html
Posted by 1 Corinthians on Saturday, 9 January 2016
1 Corinthians 7:39-40
(39) The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.
(40) But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.
7:39-40. Paul’s earlier counsel to widows (vv. 8-9) was to remain single. In that previous context, however, he acknowledged the fact that not all were equipped to do so. The only constraint Paul placed on a widow who sought remarriage was the obligation to marry another Christian (he must belong to the Lord)—an obligation which though previously unstated, he no doubt meant to apply to all who sought marriage partners. That point alone, however, affected a widow’s options. Within that condition she might choose whom she wanted and find with that husband great happiness, though Paul added that in his judgment she would be happier if she remained single. This advice was not only from Paul’s heart but also guided by the Spirit of God, who equipped both single and married Christians (v. 7) for their respective roles.
Excerpt from:
Walvoord, J. F., Zuck, R. B., & Dallas Theological Seminary. (1983-c1985).
The Bible Knowledge Commentary : An Exposition of the Scriptures.
Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
