II Corinthians 7

“Only, as the Lord has assigned to each one, as God has called each, in this manner let him walk” (v17).  Jewish culture celebrated marriage and families.  So it was quite radical for Paul to affirm voluntary singlehood and celibacy.  Even this natural and wonderful thing, marriage, was subject to the test of “what has God called me to do?”  Paul’s advice on remaining single was a thoughtful “opinion,” not a divine command (v25).  He apparently believed that being single was better during times of persecution (v25).

Married or single, Paul’s words confirm that God has a calling and purpose for each one of us.