1 Corinthians 7:10-16
Read 1 Corinthians 7:10-16
Helpful Background Information:
The Bible has much to say about the covenant of marriage, and God has graciously accounted for many difficult situations one could find themselves in marriage. Here, the Apostle Paul gives God-given commands to a spouse married to an unbeliever. Before we begin, a clarification is needed. In verse 10, Paul says that “not I, but the Lord” a wife (and by extension, a husband) is not to leave or divorce their spouse. However, in verse 12, Paul speaks to spouses in the situation described above, and says, “But I - not the Lord.” Why does Paul say this? It’s not as though Paul is merely giving his opinion, nor does this mean that this command is any less authoritative or isn’t from God. Rather, Paul was keenly aware that the Corinthians were familiar with Jesus’ statements in the gospels, that a husband and wife should never divorce, which Paul reiterates in verse 10 (Matthew 5:32, 19:9; Mark 10:11-12). However, when he introduces in verse 12 the commands for Christians married to unbelievers, he knows that Jesus never spoke on such a situation directly; this was teaching which the Corinthians were unfamiliar with. Simply put, Paul is making clarifying statements. Again, all Scripture, including verse 12 and beyond, is God-breathed and authoritative.
Paul’s counsel to Christians with unbelieving spouses is quite simple: if they’re willing to live with you - do not divorce them! The presence of a Christian spouse can be a light to a home where the gospel is not believed by all; God-designed order, morality, and the gospel may pour over to the rest of the family. Wherever God’s people are, the more blessed that place is. In fact, the godliness of a Christian spouse or parent can be the very means through which the unbelieving spouse or child is attracted to the gospel and becomes a believer themselves!
And as with the prior devotionals for the week, this has wonderful applications for those who aren’t married. All of us surely have friends who are unbelievers. Our presence in their lives provides gospel and moral influence; we may be the only light to many people in our lives. Our Christian, Holy Spirit-filled influence is a blessing to those still in bondage to their sin - we can show them the truth about Christ through our example and words; we can be the means that God uses to bring lost people to his Son, saving them from the hell and confusion they are currently in and on their way to.
Reflection Questions:
How does this passage challenge your view of marriage, commitment, or influence in the home? If you are married, how might your faithfulness to Christ positively influence your spouse and family (regardless of whether they’re believers or not)?
What do you learn about God’s desire for unbelievers through His instruction to believing spouses?
To those not married, who in your life right now needs to experience the light of Christ through you? What is one specific way you can be more intentional about reflecting the gospel in your home or circle of friends this week?