In yesterday’s study we concluded with Paul’s instructions that if one spouse is a Christian and the other is not, the Christian is not to divorce the unbeliever.
But suppose the non-Christian leaves because he or she does not want to be married to a Christian. What do you do then? That is what Paul answers in verse 15 when he says, “But if the unbeliever leaves, let him do so. A believing man or woman is not bound in such circumstances; God has called us to live in peace.” If the non-Christian decides to go and seeks a divorce, there is nothing the other one can do about it. Divorce becomes inevitable in that situation, and the Christian is no longer bound to that marriage.
Now at this point, there is a difference in interpretation among commentators. The phrase in verse 15, “A believing man or woman is not bound in such circumstances,” has been interpreted in two ways. Some have said it means that the Christian is no longer under obligation to pursue the unbelieving spouse all over the Roman world, trying to get the marriage back together again. If the unbeliever decides to leave, such attempts at reconciliation are no longer binding on the Christian spouse. Other commentators have maintained that it refers to the marriage itself. In the event that the unbelieving spouse leaves, the Christian is free from the marriage and has the right to remarry.
My opinion is that the first view is right because of other passages in Scripture to that effect. The Christian is not to remarry, even in a situation like that where divorce apparently becomes inevitable. In verse 39 Paul says that a woman whose husband has died is free to marry someone else. Paul is very clear there in the language that he uses. But he does not express it the same way in verse 15. However, let me add to that by saying that even if the second interpretation is true, it would be true in a very specific circumstance concerning a marriage between a Christian and a non-Christian, and the non-Christian chooses to end the marriage.
The reason I emphasize that is because we have a very dangerous thing happening in the evangelical church today. This verse is regarded as an “out” by those who are having difficulty in their marriage. There can be a tendency in some situations to try to maneuver things in such a way that it is possible to regard the partner with whom you are having difficulty either as a non-Christian or else as acting like one. The argument goes like this, using Matthew 18 as their justification. Jesus is speaking, and He gives instructions for dealing with a brother who has created some offense. He says that the thing to do in a situation like that is go to your brother and try to make it right. If your brother refuses, then you take a witness or two with you, and try to settle the matter correctly. If that still fails, you bring it to the attention of the church. But if after the church becomes involved in the situation, the erring brother still does not repent of his sin, then you are to treat him as a tax collector or a publican. That is, there is to be church discipline.
The argument continues that Matthew 18 shows us that it is possible for somebody to act in a recalcitrant way, including in a marriage. So if a spouse is acting inappropriately, you can bring church discipline. If they do not respond to those efforts, then you can treat them as an unbeliever. And if you can regard them as an unbeliever, you can divorce them and get remarried. People who find themselves in that situation today, having difficulty in a marriage but, who, nevertheless, want to live as Christians, find that extremely attractive.
But that is not what the Bible teaches. In 1 Corinthians 7 Paul is dealing with the marriage of a Christian with a non-Christian, and the non-Christian is breaking off the marriage by a divorce. In the case, the law for Christians is simply this: if a separation comes the Christian is to remain unmarried or else be reconciled with the spouse. Those are hard words for people who are suffering in relationships which are not harmonious. But that is the teaching of the Word of God, and it is necessary for the strength of families, the preservation of righteousness within the church, and for the good of society.
