'1Cor 7:10-16

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Problems of separation and divorce (1Co 7:10-16)

Paul claims the authority of Christ in reminding the Corinthians that a Christian husband and wife should not separate (cf. Matt 19:6).

If they do, every effort should be made to bring them together again. If this fails, they must remain single (1Co 7:10-11).

In the examples that follow, Paul knows of no command of Christ to quote, though he believes his advice carries the authority of the Spirit of God (see 1Co 7:40).

He considers situations other than those of normal Christian marriage, such as when one partner of a pagan marriage subsequently becomes a Christian. (He does not consider the possibility of believers marrying unbelievers. They will marry only ‘in the Lord’; see 1Co 7:39.)

If the unbelieving partner is willing to continue the marriage, the believer should also be willing (1Co 7:12-13).

Such a union between a believer and an unbeliever is not considered unclean, neither is any child born of that union. God considers it a holy and lawful union on account of the believing partner (1Co 7:14).

If, however, the unbeliever is unwilling to continue the marriage and departs, the believer must let it be so and consider the marriage at an end. There is no point in forcing the unbeliever to continue the marriage in the hope of making the person a Christian if such action is only going to cause quarrels. Marriage, after all, is intended to bring peace and contentment.

Nevertheless, there will be cases where the unbelieving partner comes to believe in Christ (1Co 7:15-16).