7:26 the present distress. Lit. “the present necessity.” Some believe that Paul is referring to a specific and unusual problem in Corinth. However, the language of v. 28 (“will have worldly troubles”) suggests a more general idea: the predicament that faces all Christians as they seek to serve Christ in the present evil age (Gal. 1:4). We must consider this factor when making a decision about marriage, though other considerations should also be kept in mind (vv. 6–9 note).