I say this as a concession, not as a command.

I am speaking to thoughtful people. Consider what I say.

Listen, I will tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed –

To the unmarried and widows I say that it is best for them to remain as I am.

Now I mean this, that each of you is saying, “I am with Paul,” or “I am with Apollos,” or “I am with Cephas,” or “I am with Christ.”

I say this to your shame! Is there no one among you wise enough to settle disputes between fellow Christians?

I am saying this for your benefit, not to place a limitation on you, but so that without distraction you may give notable and constant service to the Lord.

I do not mean yours but the other person’s. For why is my freedom being judged by another’s conscience?

To the rest I say – I, not the Lord – if a brother has a wife who is not a believer and she is happy to live with him, he should not divorce her.