1 Corinthians 7:10-16
Summary for 1Cor 7:10-11: 7:10-11 a Paul advises Christian couples contemplating divorce.• a command that comes ... from the Lord: This doesn’t mean that Paul’s other instructions (see 7:12 b, 25 c, 40 d) have less authority. It means this particular counsel is grounded in known sayings of Jesus (see Matt 5:32 e; 19:9 f; Mark 10:11-12 g; Luke 16:18 h).
• But if she does leave him: Paul acknowledges that some couples have great difficulty in living together, but even in that case they must honor their marriage vows to be faithful to their spouse alone (see 1 Cor 7:27 i; Rom 7:2 j).
Summary for 1Cor 7:12-13: 7:12-13 k Paul now turns to the case of a Christian married to an unbeliever.
• I do not have a direct command from the Lord: Paul knew of no saying of Jesus that was directly applicable, but his counsel is consistent: Believers must be faithful and honor their marriage commitment.
7:14 l By remaining committed to the marriage, the Christian brings holiness to the unbelieving spouse. Such holiness extends to the children, who also benefit from the holiness of a Christian parent (cp. Mal 2:15 m).
7:15 n If the unbeliever breaks up the marriage, the believing husband or wife is free to let them go.
• has called you: God’s desire is that his people live in peace, rather than in the intolerable conflict of a mixed marriage no longer desired by the non-Christian spouse.
7:16 o There is always the hope that the believing spouse will win the unbelieving mate to faith in Christ. However, the Greek text is ambiguous and could also be interpreted as saying that there is no guarantee that the believing mate will ever win over the unbelieving spouse.
Copyright information for
TNotes