1Cor 7:12, 25, 40 | JFB | STEP | 12. to the rest —the other classes (besides "the married," , where both husband and wife are believers) about whom the Corinthians had inquired, namely, those involved in mixed marriages with unbelievers. not the Lord —by any direct command spoken by Him. she be pleased — Greek, "consents": implying his wish in the first instance, with which hers concurs.

1 Corinthians 7:12

12. to the rest—the other classes (besides "the married," 1Co 7:10, where both husband and wife are believers) about whom the Corinthians had inquired, namely, those involved in mixed marriages with unbelievers.

not the Lord—by any direct command spoken by Him.

she be pleased—Greek, "consents": implying his wish in the first instance, with which hers concurs.

1 Corinthians 7:25

25. no commandment of the Lord: yet . . . my judgment—I have no express revelation from the Lord commanding it, but I give my judgment (opinion); namely, under the ordinary inspiration which accompanied the apostles in all their canonical writings (compare 1Co 7:40; 1Co 14:37; 1Th 4:15). The Lord inspires me in this case to give you only a recommendation, which you are free to adopt or reject—not a positive command. In the second case (1Co 7:10, 11) it was a positive command; for the Lord had already made known His will (Mal 2:14, 15; Mt 5:31, 32). In the third case (1Co 7:12), the Old Testament commandment of God to put away strange wives (Ezr 10:3), Paul by the Spirit revokes.

mercy of the Lord— (1Ti 1:13). He attributes his apostleship and the gifts accompanying it (including inspiration) to God's grace alone.

faithful—in dispensing to you the inspired directions received by me from the Lord.

1 Corinthians 7:40

40. happier— (1Co 7:1, 28, 34, 35).

I think also—"I also think"; just as you Corinthians and your teachers think much of your opinions, so I also give my opinion by inspiration; so in 1Co 7:25, "my judgment" or opinion. Think does not imply doubt, but often a matter of well-grounded assurance (Joh 5:39).