Translation
Now this I say, brothers, the opportunity has been shortened
Go to footnote numberso that from now on those who have wives, should be as those having none;
Paraphrase
This is what I mean, brothers and sisters, you will not face this current situation for long, so don’t worry, you can do what is not natural for a short amount of time. If you have a wife, you should not focus on how persecution will affect your wife because that will weaken your resolve, rather you should focus exclusively on being faithful to your Lord.
Footnotes
1: “the opportunity has been shortened”
This was due to persecution. They all knew that the main reason the situation would not last long was because they would not live much longer. In reality many periods of persecution have indeed lasted a long time, but on an individual scale they are usually shorter and God gives them the fortitude to endure it without giving in.