Barnes New Testament Notes

Verse 6. But I speak this by permission, etc. It is not quite certain whether the word "this," (touto) in this verse, refers to what precedes, or to what follows. On this commentators are divided, the more natural and obvious interpretation would be to refer it to the preceding statement. I am inclined to think that the more natural construction is the true one, and that Paul refers to what he had said in 1 Co 7:5. Most recent commentators, as Macknight and Rosenmuller, however, suppose it refers to what follows, and appeal to similar places in Joe 1:2; Ps 49:2; 1 Co 10:23.

Calvin supposes it refers to what was said in 1 Co 7:1

By permission. suggnwmhn. This word means indulgence, or permission, and stands opposed to that which is expressly enjoined. Comp.1 Co 7:25: "I am allowed to say this; I have no express command on the subject; I give it as my opinion; I do not speak it directly under the influence of Divine inspiration." See 1 Co 7:10,25,40.

Paul here does not claim to be under inspiration in these directions which he specifies. But this is no argument against his inspiration in general, but rather the contrary. For,

(1.) it shows that he was an honest man, and was disposed to state the exact truth. An impostor, pretending to inspiration, would have claimed to have been always inspired. Who ever heard of a pretender to Divine inspiration admitting that in anything he was not under Divine guidance? Did Mohammed ever do this? Do impostors now ever do it?

(2.) It shows that in other cases, where no exception is made, he claimed to be inspired. These few exceptions, which he expressly makes, prove that in everywhere else he claimed to be under the influence of inspiration.

(3.) We are to suppose, therefore, that in all his writings where he makes no express exceptions, (and the exceptions are very few in number,) Paul claimed to be inspired. Macknight, however, and some others, understand this as mere advice, as an inspired man, though not as a command.

Not of commandment. Not by express instruction from the Lord. See 1 Co 7:25. I do not claim in this to be under the influence of inspiration; and supposed that it was unlawful for a Christian wife or husband to be my counsel here may be regarded, or not, as you may be able able to receive it.