Exposition
Apostle Paul was such a passionate preacher of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He considered himself cursed if, for any reason, he did not preach the gospel. He said, “… woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!” (1 Cor. 9:16). He was eager with godly zeal for men to know Jesus Christ and to love Him. He worked so hard and extensively because he understood how close Christ’s coming was. Probably it is the reason he did not get married. In his letter to the Corinthian church, he advised the unmarried to be like him so that together they will advance the preaching of Christ and not be distracted by marital issues.
Paul, in concluding his letter to the Corinthian church, called judgment on those who out of hatred resisted the gospel, “Let him be an anathema” (1 Cor 16:22, KJV). They were under a curse for their anti-gospel activities. However, Paul pronounced God’s grace on all believers who were awaiting Christ’s return. He shared his love with them because they also loved the Lord. As believers, we should be so filled with passion about Jesus’ coming that it consumes us. Our relationships with other people should reflect our passion for His return because men will be in danger of Christ’s judgment if they do not love and accept Him.