paul gave it away when he told his followers:
"What I mean, brothers, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they had none;" 1 cor 7:29
why would he say that? was he talking to future generations...ahh no.
he thought the end would happen in his lifetime...
The Christian Greek Scriptures are mainly written for our day.
Paul mentioned reduced time in connection to Jesus words for our day at Matthew 24v33 that the end of all badness on earth is near by the events we see surrounding us. Verse 29 also connects directly to Jesus spiritual 'brothers' or those that will rule with Jesus in heaven. Rev 20v6; 5vs9,10.
Whether we are alive at the time of the living sheep-like ones of Matthew 25v32 and Jesus living spiritual 'brothers of verse 40, or having our 'days numbered', so to speak, Paul also wrote at Romans 13v11,12 it is high time to awaken from spiritual sleep. After all, we can die [have an end] at anytime.
The dead do not praise God.- Psalm 115v17.
The work Jesus did [Luke 4v43] is done by the living.
Peter also took the view of Jesus words that the end of all things is at hand and be sober minded. [1Peter4v7] Our end or the end times of all badness on earth.
Paul was also talking about being content with one's lot in life whether married, single or widowed. In other words, it is not necessary to change status in being or in becoming a Christian. Living as though not married was in connection to priorities or being unduly distracted. Married ones can devote exclusive time to each other and be so absorbed that could mean no time set aside for spiritual life or the fulfilling of Matthew 24v14 in telling others about the good news of God's kingdom that will bring an end to earth's woes.
So Paul was giving caution not to be caught up, or use the world to the full, but make room for the spiritual.
-1 Cor 7vs32-35.