How to Interpret 1 Corinthians 7:10-16

How to Interpret 1 Corinthians 7:10-16

A brother is confused about this controversial passage as are many others who read it.

My “brief” response to his text is the following:

Good evening (my brother), Thanks for your question.

1 Cor. 7 has been variously interpreted due to strong disagreements over divorce and remarriage. Focusing on 7:10-16, here's my understanding:

1. A believing wife is not to divorce her believing husband (v. 10). In Jewish culture, women were not permitted to divorce their husband, but in Greek and Roman cultures they could.

2. If a believing woman divorces her husband, not being for adultery or abandonment, she can never remarry. Her only option is to get reconciled with her husband (v. 11).

3. Married Christians should not divorce their unsaved spouse who desires to stay married to them (vv. 12-13). These verses seem to be the Apostle Paul's strongest suggestion since he said "But to the rest I, not the Lord, say..." (v. 12). That seems to mean Paul is using his apostolic authority to give the best advice which, writing under the Spirit's direction, makes it divinely authoritative.

4. Married Christians must consider God's purpose for their unbelieving spouse and the children (v. 14). Being married to a Christian, the nonChristian is dealt with ("sanctified") by the Lord in a way that separates him/her from the general attitude and lifestyle of unsaved people. The innocent children, moreover, benefit more from the influence of the saved spouse.

5. Clearly, if the unbelieving spouse wants "out," let him/her initiate the divorce (v. 15a). The believer isn't required ("not bound") to prevent it (v. 15b). Keeping in mind that God controls all things, the believer rests in His peace (15c).

Much more can be said, but opinions vary so much that, like you, one can become perplexed and not know what to conclude.

Check out gotquestions.org and put the word "divorce" in the finder. There are some articles with sound biblical teaching on this topic.

Blessings!