Paul comes to the last matter related to marriage that he had been asked to deal with by the Corinthians. It is the matter of a father and his responsibility toward his daughter regarding marriage. He makes clear just what matters a father must bear in mind when considering the marriage of any of his children. It also makes profitable reading for the young people of marriageable age.
1. Notice that Paul has no direct word from the Lord. Verse 25. He bases his judgment on experience and scripture-guided common sense. Not everyone of life's difficulties is specifically referred to in the Bible but there are principles laid down which we can apply to every situation which may arise.
2. When contemplating marriage or any other important matter with long-term implications, we should consider the times in which we live. Paul refers to the present distress and says that remaining unmarried may be wiser. The distress referred to was the persecution that as then growing against Christians, Acts 18:1-2. The law took note of the responsibilities of marriage, Deut 24:5. Marriage has its troubles, verse 28, but in times of persecution they greatly increases.
3. The dignity the gospel bestowed upon all. Fathers are required to consider the feelings of the young with regard to the marriage, verse 36. Let the young note that there are cases where it is wrong for fathers to give consent, verse 37.
4. The over-riding consideration is that it is in the Lord. Verse 39. Not just that the person to be married is in the Lord but that the union is in the Lord, in His will. The young need to be prepared for this test.
Let all young people note Paul's words in verse 35. Such restrictions are not meant as a snare but as a benefit. Note words profit and comely (fitting and elegant).