Jan 1, 2024
Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 7:10-24
Paul covers several specific issues in this chapter regarding marriage … including sexual relations in marriage, divorce, remarriage, and singleness. In the present passage there are two marital situations in view, though this passage does not address every nuance that might be involved.
The first scenario is a marriage between two believers. The command in this case is for them to stay married, reflecting the teaching of Jesus. Should a husband or wife divorce his/her spouse, then that person should either seek reconciliation or stay unmarried. This exhortation gives considerable weight to the permanence of marriage. Permanence is God's design for marriages.
The second scenario is a marriage between a believer and an unbeliever. The believer should not seek a divorce from his/her unbelieving spouse. In staying married, the believing spouse will be an ongoing presence and voice of the gospel in that marriage and family.
Should the unbelieving spouse leave the marriage, the believing spouse "is not enslaved" in such cases (1 Cor 7:15). The teaching here seems to allow a remarriage in the case of this brother or sister.
The glory of marriage is held high in this passage because the permanence of this union is emphasized. Contrary to the growing disregard for marriage in our culture, let marriage be held in the high regard, in accordance with God's wise design.