How does this verse connect with Jesus' teachings on marriage in Matthew 19? Verse in Focus “ But if she does leave, let her remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife.” (1 Corinthians 7:11) Mending the Covenant: Paul Echoes Jesus • In 1 Corinthians 7:10–11 Paul explicitly says his directive is “not I, but the Lord,” pointing back to Jesus’ words. • Paul keeps the same two pillars Jesus set: – Do not break the marriage bond. – If separation occurs, pursue restoration, not a new union. Jesus on Marriage: Snapshot from Matthew 19 “ ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’ … Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.” (Matthew 19:5–6) “ Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning. And I tell you that whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman, commits adultery.” (Matthew 19:8–9) Thread That Binds the Two Passages • Same starting point: Genesis 2:24—marriage is God-made, one-flesh, lifelong. • Same warning: humanity must not tear apart what God joined (Matthew 19:6; 1 Corinthians 7:11). • Same concession: separation may happen because of hardness of heart, yet Scripture limits the options afterward—remain unmarried or reconcile (1 Corinthians 7:11 mirrors Matthew 19:9’s narrow exception). • Same seriousness: breaking the covenant and forming a new marriage outside the lone exception is adultery (Matthew 19:9; implied in 1 Corinthians 7:11). Cemented by Other Witnesses • Malachi 2:16—God hates divorce. • Mark 10:9—“What God has joined together, let man not separate.” • Ephesians 5:31–33—marriage reflects Christ and the church. • Hebrews 13:4—marriage is to be honored by all. Grace within Boundaries: Living It Out • Guard the covenant now—prevention is easier than repair. • If conflict escalates, invite wise counsel early (Proverbs 15:22). • Should a separation occur, keep the heart open to reconciliation; resist rushing into a new relationship. • Seek restoration through confession, forgiveness, and renewal of vows, trusting God’s power to heal (2 Corinthians 5:18). |
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