What does 1 Corinthians 7:8 say to widows and the unmarried?
Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 7:8 that the unmarried and widows should abide even as he does, meaning it is good for them to remain single. He explains this was better under coming persecution, though he later allows marriage if they cannot contain, since it is better to marry than to burn.
Les teaches that Paul, expecting the Lord's coming imminently and sensing the horrible persecution coming across the Roman Empire, tells the unmarried and widows in verse 8 that it is good for them to abide even as he did. He says it would be more comfortable and better for them to remain single than to get involved again and suffer the trauma of losing a husband to persecution. But Paul gives them an out: if they cannot contain, let them marry, for it is better to marry than to burn. Les explains this means if they cannot control their sexual desires and are tempted to adultery, they are better off marrying, which ties back to verse 2's instruction to avoid immoral circumstances. Apart from that, under those circumstances, it is better to stay single.
I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I.