What does 1 Corinthians 7:12 mean?

But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away. 1 Corinthians 7:12

Explanation

In 1 Corinthians 7:12, the apostle Paul addresses a concern among early Christians regarding marriage to an unbeliever. This verse is a part of a larger discourse on marriage and celibacy. In this passage, Paul explicitly states that his guidance is his own and not a direct command from the Lord, which suggests he is exercising pastoral discretion based on the principles of the faith rather than conveying a divine commandment.

The message is clear: if a Christian is married to a non-believer who is content to live with them, the Christian should not initiate a divorce. The “brother” refers to a Christian man, and the situation implies a mixed marriage where one spouse is a Christian and the other is not. The phrase “be pleased to dwell with him” indicates the willingness of the unbelieving spouse to maintain the marital relationship despite religious differences.

The deeper meaning here reflects a principle of maintaining unity and peace within the marriage where possible, rather than creating division over religious differences. It acknowledges the sanctity of marriage and suggests that believers should not disrupt their households simply because of a disparity in faith.

Historical Context

When Paul wrote his first letter to the Corinthians, the Christian community in Corinth was navigating the complexities of living out their new faith in a largely pagan society. Mixed marriages between Christians and non-Christians would have been common, and questions about the implications of such unions for community life and personal holiness were pressing.

During this time, Christianity was not the dominant religion, and believers were often a minority. This verse must be understood against the backdrop of the early church figuring out how to maintain the integrity of their community while also living in a broader culture that did not share their beliefs.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse can be interpreted in various ways. One insight is the idea of “missionary marriage,” where the Christian spouse may influence the non-believing partner towards faith. Another viewpoint might argue that this advice by Paul indicates the sanctity of marriage as an institution that should not be lightly broken, even with the complication of differing religious beliefs. Some theologians may also point out the distinction between divine commandments and apostolic counsel, as Paul makes clear this advice is from him and not a direct order from God.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse can be applied by Christians today who find themselves in a marriage with a non-believer. It suggests a path of patience, understanding, and commitment to the relationship, supposing the unbelieving spouse is agreeable to maintain the marriage. This has implications for communication and respect within the relationship, highlighting the significance of shared life and love over religious conformity.

Cross-References

• 1 Peter 3:1-2: “Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;”
• 1 Corinthians 7:13-14: “And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him. For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.”

Language Study

The key term in the original Koine Greek text is “suneudokeo,” translated as “be pleased.” It carries the meaning of being agreeable, content, or having good will towards something. This denotes that the non-believing spouse willingly accepts the situation and the Christian’s faith without contention or strife.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparing this to other ancient cultures, marriage customs often involved religious considerations, where shared beliefs were paramount. In contrast, Paul’s guidance reflects a distinct Christian approach valuing the marriage bond over religious homogeneity.

Within Judaic tradition, interfaith marriages were discouraged, aligning more with religious purity and identity preservation. In Greco-Roman society, religious syncretism was common, but social cohesion was often prioritized over individual religious practices, potentially making mixed marriages less controversial there.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific standpoint, one could look at psychological and social research regarding the success and challenges of interfaith marriages. Research may explore how differing belief systems impact family dynamics, communication, and relationship satisfaction. Paul’s advice predates such studies but aligns with the general principle found in some modern research that respect and mutual willingness to maintain the relationship are crucial for marital stability.

Commentaries

Expert commentary on this verse varies. Some commentators, such as John Calvin, viewed this as a counsel of peace, aimed at preventing unnecessary discord. Matthew Henry emphasized the potential for the believing spouse to sanctify the marriage, subtly leading the unbelieving partner towards faith. Contemporary scholars like Gordon D. Fee have pointed out the pastoral sensitivity in Paul’s advice, illustrating an early Christian ethic that values the marriage relationship highly and seeks to balance individual faith with communal and relational harmony.