Topical Encyclopedia In the context of biblical teachings, the topic of divorce is addressed with significant gravity and is subject to specific conditions. The Bible provides guidance on the grounds for divorce, primarily through the teachings of Jesus and the Apostle Paul. These scriptural references are foundational for understanding the permissible reasons for divorce within a Christian framework.Old Testament Context The Old Testament law, as given to the Israelites, includes provisions for divorce. Deuteronomy 24:1-4 outlines a scenario where a man may write a certificate of divorce if he finds "some indecency" in his wife. This passage, however, does not explicitly define the nature of the indecency, leading to varied interpretations among Jewish scholars and leaders over time. Teachings of Jesus In the New Testament, Jesus addresses the issue of divorce directly. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus responds to questions from the Pharisees regarding the legality of divorce. Matthew 19:3-9 records this interaction: > "Some Pharisees came to test Him. 'Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason?' they inquired. Jesus answered, 'Have you not read that from the beginning the Creator 'made them male and female,' and said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh'? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.' 'Why then,' they asked, 'did Moses order a man to give his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away?' Jesus replied, 'Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because of your hardness of heart. But it was not this way from the beginning. Now I tell you that whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman, commits adultery.'" Here, Jesus emphasizes the sanctity of marriage as a divine institution and restricts the grounds for divorce to cases of sexual immorality. This teaching underscores the seriousness with which marriage vows are to be regarded and the limited circumstances under which they may be dissolved. Pauline Epistles The Apostle Paul further addresses the issue of divorce in his letters to the early church. In 1 Corinthians 7:10-15 , Paul provides additional guidance: > "To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband. But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife. To the rest I say this (I, not the Lord): If a brother has an unbelieving wife and she is willing to live with him, he must not divorce her. And if a woman has an unbelieving husband and he is willing to live with her, she must not divorce him. For the unbelieving husband is sanctified through his believing wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified through her believing husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but now they are holy. But if the unbeliever leaves, let him go. The believing brother or sister is not bound in such cases. God has called you to live in peace." Paul reiterates the permanence of marriage but introduces the concept of abandonment by an unbelieving spouse as a legitimate ground for divorce. This passage highlights the complexity of marital relationships in a religiously diverse context and provides a framework for addressing such situations. Summary of Grounds Based on these scriptural teachings, the primary grounds for divorce recognized in the Bible are: 1. Sexual Immorality: As stated by Jesus, sexual immorality is a valid reason for divorce, acknowledging the breach of the marital covenant through infidelity. 2. Abandonment by an Unbelieving Spouse: Paul allows for divorce in cases where an unbelieving spouse chooses to leave the marriage, emphasizing the importance of peace and the believer's freedom in such circumstances. These grounds reflect the biblical emphasis on the sanctity and permanence of marriage, while also recognizing specific situations where divorce may be permissible. Topical Bible Verses Matthew 19:3-9The Pharisees also came to him, tempting him, and saying to him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause? Topicalbible.org Matthew 5:32 Malachi 2:16 Matthew 19:9 1 Corinthians 7:15 Deuteronomy 24:1-4 1 Corinthians 7:10 1 Corinthians 7:10-11 Matthew 5:31-32 Library On the Journey to Jerusalem - Departure from Ephraim by Way of ... Mothers, Daughters, and Wives in Israel Chapter xvi. Excursus on the Translation of Bishops. Authenticity and Credibility of the Pentateuch. English Congregational Creeds. Jesus Sets Out from Jud??a for Galilee. The Third Essay in the Present Volume is by "The Rev. ... Repentance The Gospel of Mark Resources What does the Bible say about remarriage if a divorce occurred before salvation? | GotQuestions.orgWhen is it right to leave a church? | GotQuestions.org How is belief in God any different from Flying Spaghetti Monsterism? | GotQuestions.org Grounds: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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