1 Corinthians Chapter 7, Verse 40
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40: μακαριωτερα δε εστιν εαν ουτως μεινη κατα την εμην γνωμην δοκω δε καγω πνευμα θεου εχειν
40: But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I
think also that I have the Spirit of God.
40: But more blessed shall she be, if she so remain, according to my
counsel. And I think that I also have the spirit of God.
If she so abide. If she remain a widow, even if she could be married to a Christian.
After my judgment. In my opinion, 1Cor 7:25.,
And I think also that I have the Spirit of God. Macknight and others suppose that this phrase implies entire certainty; and that Paul means to affirm that in this he was clear that he was under the influence of inspiration. He appeals for the use of the term (dokw) to Mk 10:42 Lk 8:18 1Cor 4:9, 1Cor 8:2, 1Cor 11:16 Heb 4:1, etc. But the word does not usually express absolute certainty. It implies a doubt, though there may be a strong persuasion or conviction; or the best judgment which the mind can form in the case. See Mt 6:7, Mt 26:53 Mk 6:49 Lk 8:18, Lk 10:36, Lk 12:51, Lk 13:2, Lk 13:4 22:24 Acts 17:18, Acts 25:27 1Cor 12:22, etc. It implies here a belief that Paul was under the influence of the infallible Spirit, and that his advice was such as accorded with the will of God. Perhaps he alludes to the fact that the teachers at Corinth deemed themselves to be under the influence of inspiration; and Paul said that he judged also of himself that he was divinely guided and directed in what he said. -- Calvin. And as Paul in this could not be mistaken; as his impression that he was under the influence of that Spirit was, in fact, a claim to Divine inspiration, so this advice should be regarded as of Divine authority, and as binding on all. This interpretation is further demanded by the circumstances of the case. It was necessary that he should assert Divine authority to counteract the teaching of the false instructors in Corinth; and that he should interpose that authority in prescribing rules for the government of the church there, in view of the peculiar temptations to which they were exposed.
