Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the status and treatment of widows are addressed with compassion and care, reflecting God's concern for the vulnerable. The question of whether widows are permitted to remarry is addressed in several passages, providing guidance and insight into the early Christian community's views on marriage and widowhood.Old Testament Context The Old Testament provides a foundation for understanding the status of widows. While it does not explicitly address remarriage, it emphasizes the protection and provision for widows. For instance, Deuteronomy 24:17 instructs, "Do not deprive the foreigner or the fatherless of justice, or take the cloak of the widow as a pledge." This reflects a broader concern for their welfare, suggesting that remarriage could be a means of ensuring their continued care and support. New Testament Teachings The New Testament offers more direct guidance on the issue of remarriage for widows. In 1 Corinthians 7:39, the Apostle Paul states, "A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, only in the Lord." This passage clearly affirms the freedom of a widow to remarry, provided that her new marriage is within the Christian faith. Paul further addresses the topic in his first letter to Timothy. In 1 Timothy 5:14, he advises younger widows to remarry: "So I advise the younger widows to marry, have children, and manage their households, giving the adversary no occasion for slander." This counsel is practical, aiming to prevent younger widows from becoming idle or engaging in behavior that could lead to gossip or reproach. Cultural and Social Considerations In the cultural context of the early church, remarriage for widows was not only permissible but often encouraged as a means of social and economic stability. Widows without family support were particularly vulnerable, and remarriage could provide them with protection and provision. The early Christian community recognized the importance of maintaining a widow's dignity and well-being, and remarriage was one avenue to achieve this. Spiritual Implications The allowance for widows to remarry also reflects a broader theological understanding of marriage as a covenant that is dissolved upon the death of a spouse. This perspective underscores the sanctity of marriage while acknowledging the realities of life and death. The freedom to remarry is seen as a continuation of God's grace and provision for those who have lost their spouses. Conclusion The biblical allowance for widows to remarry is rooted in compassion and practicality, reflecting God's care for the vulnerable and the early church's commitment to community support. Through scriptural guidance, widows are encouraged to seek new beginnings within the framework of faith, ensuring their spiritual and material well-being. Torrey's Topical Textbook Romans 7:3So then if, while her husband lives, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Letter cxxiii. To Ageruchia. Letter Lxxvii. To Oceanus. Appendix iv Picture of a Pauline Church The Bishop's Burthen The Polity Settled by Moses; and How He Disappeared from among ... Of Indulgence and Pure Volition. The Question Illustrated. Yorkshire and the Settlement System. The First Native Converts and Christian Schools Life at Herrnhut. Resources Should a Christian go on welfare? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about feeding the hungry? | GotQuestions.org What does Jesus want us to learn from what He said about the widow's mite? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Widows were Clothed in Mourning After the Decease of Husbands Widows were Frequently Oppressed and Persecuted Widows were Released from all Obligation to Former Husbands Widows were Under the Special Protection of God Widows: A Type of Zion in Affliction Widows: Allowed to Marry Again Widows: Blessings on Those Who Relieve Widows: Curse for Perverting Judgment of Widows: Exhorted to Trust in God Widows: God: Establishes the Border of Widows: God: Surely Hears the Cry of Widows: God: Will Witness Against Oppressors of Widows: Increase of, Threatened As a Punishment Widows: Intermarrying With, of Kings Considered Treason Widows: Laws Respecting: Bound to Perform Their Vows Widows: Laws Respecting: Not to be Oppressed Widows: Laws Respecting: Not to Intermarry With Priests Widows: Laws Respecting: Raiment of, not to be Taken in Pledge by Creditors Widows: Laws Respecting: To be Allowed to Glean in Fields and Vineyards Widows: Laws Respecting: To Have a Share of the Triennial Tithe Widows: Laws Respecting: To Share in Public Rejoicings Widows: Laws Respecting: when Daughters of Priests and Childless to Partake of The Widows: Laws Respecting: when Left Childless, to be Married by Their Husband's Widows: Not to be Deplored By, Considered a Great Calamity Widows: Often Devoted Themselves Entirely to God's Service Widows: Reproach Connected With Widows: Saints: Disappoint Not Widows: should be Allowed to Share in Our Blessings Widows: should be Honored, If Widows Indeed Widows: should be Relieved by the Church Widows: should be Relieved by Their Friends Widows: should be Visited in Affliction Widows: should not Be: Afflicted Widows: should not Be: Deprived of Raiment in Pledge Widows: should not Be: Oppressed Widows: should not Be: Treated With Violence Widows: Specially Taken Care of by the Church Widows: The Wicked: do No Good To Widows: The Wicked: Make a Prey of Widows: The Wicked: Reject the Cause of Widows: The Wicked: Send, Away Empty Widows: The Wicked: Take Pledges From Widows: Though Poor, May be Liberal Widows: when Young, Exposed to May Temptations Widows: Woe to Those Who Oppress Related Terms |
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