What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 7:10? To the married Paul turns from addressing the unmarried (vv. 8–9) to speak directly to husbands and wives. By naming them “the married,” he affirms that marriage is a present, God-given reality, not a social experiment or human invention (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4–6). • Marriage involves two becoming “one flesh,” so any instruction given to one spouse carries implications for the unity of both. • The focus on the married also signals that God’s Word speaks into the everyday lives of believers, not merely their religious moments (Ephesians 5:31–33). I give this command Paul issues an imperative, not a suggestion. As an apostle, he conveys divine authority (1 Corinthians 14:37; 1 Thessalonians 4:2). • Commands protect and bless; they are expressions of God’s loving order. • Obedience in marriage displays the gospel, showing Christ’s faithful love for His church (Ephesians 5:25). not I, but the Lord Here Paul clarifies that this isn’t a new rule of his own making; Jesus Himself spoke it (Matthew 5:31-32; Mark 10:11-12). • By appealing to Christ’s words, Paul reminds believers that marriage was sealed by the Lord’s authority: “Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate” (Matthew 19:6). • This grounding in Jesus’ teaching elevates the instruction above cultural opinion or personal preference. A wife must not separate from her husband The heart of the verse: separation (and by implication divorce) violates God’s original design (Malachi 2:16; Romans 7:2-3). • Marriage is a covenant meant for life; breaking it wounds the couple, their family, and the witness of the church. • The next verse (1 Corinthians 7:11) safeguards both parties: if separation occurs, reconciliation or lifelong singleness is the only godly path. • This command applies equally to husbands (v. 11), underscoring mutual responsibility. summary 1 Corinthians 7:10 calls married believers to honor the permanence of their covenant. Paul, under Christ’s authority, reminds couples that marriage is God-ordained, commands carry loving authority, and separation contradicts Jesus’ explicit teaching. Remaining faithful in marriage showcases the gospel’s unbreakable love to a watching world. |
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