1 Corinthians 7:7

Even as I myself] i.e. able through self-control to lead a celibate life.

His proper gift] He to whom God has denied this ability, has received some other gift from Him. St. Paul must have been unmarried, or, just possibly, a widower.

8-16. Consequent advice or commands. (a) 8, 9. To the unmarried and widows—to remain so, unless they have an overmastering desire. (b) 10, 11. To the married Christians. The Lord's command is against separation; if Such take place, the separated party is to remain unmarried, (c) 12-14. In cases of mixed marriages St. Paul's opinion is that the two should continue to live together if the heathen partner, is willing; for the fact that the one is a Christian brings the other also into the Christian sphere, as is the case with the children. 15, 16. But if the heathen partner wants to separate, he or she may do so, and the Christian is then set free. But domestic peace is what God desires; the heathen partner may possibly be converted.