17, 18. How should we understand the apostle Paul’s statements about ‘giving his own opinion’?

¹⁷ But what of those times when Bible writers seemingly expressed their own opinion? Take, for instance, the following statements of the apostle Paul:

“Now concerning virgins I have no command from the Lord, but I give my opinion.”

¹⁸ The apostle could not quote a direct teaching of the Lord Jesus Christ on the points under discussion and therefore expressed his “opinion.” However, he wrote under the direction of God’s spirit and so his opinion had divine guidance and expressed God’s own view.