What does 1 Corinthians 7:15 mean?

But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace. 1 Corinthians 7:15

Explanation

1 Corinthians 7:15 addresses the situation where one partner in a marriage is a believer in Christ and the other is not, and the unbelieving partner chooses to leave the marriage. The Apostle Paul is providing guidance on how the believing spouse should respond. The key point of this passage is that if the unbelieving spouse wishes to depart, the believer is not obligated to maintain the marital bond; they are “not under bondage in such cases.” This advises that the believer is free from the marital commitment and that it is better to live in peace than to force a spouse to stay in a situation where they are unhappy.

The phrase “not under bondage” suggests that the believer is not tied down to the demands or constraints of the marital law in the context of an unbeliever wishing to separate. Importantly, Paul concludes with the statement “but God hath called us to peace,” underscoring that the intention for believers is to live peacefully, and sometimes that may mean allowing an unbelieving spouse to leave, to maintain peace.

Historical Context

This verse is found within a letter written by the Apostle Paul to the Corinthian church in the first century AD. Corinth was a cosmopolitan city known for its diversity and immorality. It had a significant population of believers living alongside a large number of pagans and people from various backgrounds. Divisions, moral dilemmas, and complex social relationships were common among the early Christians living in this environment.

At that time, Christians were figuring out how to live out their new faith in a variety of contexts, including marriage. There were questions about whether Christians should marry and, if so, whom they should marry. 1 Corinthians 7 contains Paul’s responses to these issues, offering practical advice on marriage, divorce, and celibacy.

Theological Insights

From the theological standpoint, this verse has been interpreted in different ways. Some view it as a clear stance for the sanctity and indissolubility of marriage, yet with an exception provided for cases where an unbelieving spouse departs. Others see this verse affirming the ideal of Christian peace and harmony over the enforcement of marriage laws.

There is also a theological discussion about whether this verse allows for the possibility of remarriage for the deserted believer. Some Christian denominations believe this verse demonstrates that abandonment by an unbelieving spouse is a valid ground for divorce (and by extension, for remarriage), while others maintain that it does not necessarily grant permission to remarry.

Practical Applications

1 Corinthians 7:15 has practical applications in the lives of modern-day believers who may face similar challenges in marriage as those in the early church. The verse suggests that it is sometimes better to allow an unbelieving spouse to leave than to endure a toxic or unpeaceful marriage, indicating that individual well-being and peace can take precedence over maintaining a troubled marriage.

It also provides reassurance to the believer that they are not failing religiously by letting go of a marriage that the other party wants to dissolve and that in such difficult circumstances, their responsibility before God is fulfilled.

Cross-References

• 1 Corinthians 7:10-11: “And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband: But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.”
• Matthew 5:32: “But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.”
• Romans 12:18: “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.”

Language Study

In this verse, the phrase “not under bondage” translates from the Greek word “douloo,” which means enslaved or bound. This word indicates that the believer is not enslaved or legally bound to the marriage if the unbelieving partner departs.

The word “peace,” from the Greek “eirene,” conveys not only a lack of conflict but also the idea of wholeness, prosperity, and well-being. This suggests that God’s call to peace is about more than just the absence of trouble—it’s a holistic vision of life that encompasses every aspect of well-being.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient times, marriage was much about social and economic stability as it was about personal relationships. Among the Jews, marriage was a sacred institution governed by extensive law, while Greco-Roman societies had more pragmatic views on marriage and divorce.

Comparing to other ancient religious interpretations, many societies viewed marriage as an unbreakable contract while others allowed for more flexibility. Within the Christian tradition, this verse reflects a balance between respecting marriage as an institution and recognizing individual freedom and peace, differentiating Christianity from other ancient perspectives that may have more rigidly enforced marital bonds.

Scientific Perspectives

From a modern scientific perspective, interpersonal stress and unresolvable marital conflict can lead to a range of mental and physical health issues. Therefore, the verse’s emphasis on peace and well-being is consistent with contemporary understandings of the importance of mental health and the harmful effects of stressful or abusive relationships.

Commentaries

Various Bible scholars and theologians have commented on this verse. Some emphasize Paul’s pastoral approach to handling the complexities of marriage in a diverse community. Others focus on the theological implications of marriage and divorce within Christian doctrine. Many agree that Paul is addressing a very specific situation in Corinth, seeking to balance the church’s teaching on marriage with the realities faced by believers. There remains debate, however, about the implications of this verse for contemporary Christian practice regarding divorce and remarriage.