1 Corinthians 7:8

I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, it is good for them if they abide even as I (KJV)

Then: As stated previously in this blog, Paul gives underlying validity and credence to the spiritual goals of Corinthian church women. They want to move into a life wholly dedicated to serving Christ. At the same time, Paul is very practical. Not everyone is given the gift of celibacy, and the women live in an age where singleness offered them very few (if any) methods of self support. This may have been an unstated reason on Paul's part, but is not put forward in the text or by other commentators. Positively, though Christ had promised to return, but it hadn't yet happened, and Paul needed to assure the women he both understood and agreed with their motivations. It is good to have the gift of celibacy. Some commentators believe that Paul's approach sets up a basis for the women to more willingly accept his ultimate advice (Thiselton, p. 514).

Now: Many women find themselves in an opposite world. Through divorce, widowhood, or other life circumstances, they would like to be married, but are not. Paul's advice provides comfort that the Lord will lead, guide and direct them in his service. It may be his will that they remain single, or it may be his will that the future include a spouse. Either way, they can live productive, useful lives serving him.

Extra source: The First Epistle to the Corinthians: a commentary on the Greek text by Anthony C. Thiselton (Authentic Media, c2000) online at http://books.google.com/books?id=IHG_DNLpmroC&dq=1st+Corinthian+commentaries&printsec=frontcover&source=in&hl=en&ei=W9fQSpC1GILplAfHiumoCg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=11&ved=0CB8Q6AEwCg#v=onepage&q=&f=false