7:12-15 Why does Paul declare here that he is the originator of this command and not Jesus?
7:12-15 Why does Paul declare here that he is the originator of this command and not Jesus?
This command originated with Paul and not Jesus because desertion by an unbelieving spouse did not arise as a ground for divorce during Jesus' earthly ministry. The church had not been founded then and so Jesus did not have to address it.
It only became evident as the church expanded in Paul's time, and even though the command did not originate with Jesus, it is the inspired word of God nonetheless and must be obeyed by the church (CP V25 and 40 with 2Pe 3:14-16). We learn from V16 here that distorting Paul's teachings leads to eternal damnation.
This clearly proves that whatever Paul taught was inspired of God and must be obeyed by Christians (CP 1Th 2:13 with 2Ti 3:16-17).
See also comments on Mt 5:31-32, and author's study Paul the Apostle - a Chosen Vessel unto God in his book Advanced Studies in the Christian Faith (Volume 2).