Introduction. Part One: 1 Corinthians 7:1-24

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1 Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage: Seen Through the Character of God and the Mind of Jesus Classroom Study Guide: ( Introduction Part One: 1 Corinthians 7: Part Two: 1 Corinthians 7: Part Three: Three Influences on the Writing of 1 Corinthians 7 4 Part Four: Occasional Nature of Scripture 4 Part Five: Deuteronomy 24:1-4 and a Definition of Adultery 5 Part Six: Gospel of Mark 5 Part Seven: Matthew 5:32 6 Part Eight: The Exception Clause 6 Part Nine: Matthew 19:1-12 and Luke 16:18 7 Part Ten: Paul and a Biblical-Contemporary Paradigm 8 Part Eleven: Biblical-Contemporary Paradigm 9 Part Twelve: Divorce and Forgiveness 9 Conclusion 11 Suggested Reading: Articles and Books 12 Introduction 1. Reason for the study of marriage, divorce, and remarriage. 2. Four elements of marriage from the Hebrew Bible: a. change of loyalty: That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife (Gen 2:24a; Deut 10:10; Ruth 1:14) and exclusiveness: they become one flesh (Gen 2:24b). b. covenant: covenant she made before God (Prov 2:17; Mal 2:14; Deut 7:3-4, 9). c. food, clothing, and marital rights (Exod 21:10-11; Eph 5:29; 1 Cor 7:2-9). d. teaching center: Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home or when you walk (Deut 6:7-9; Ps 78:4; Prov 1:8; Eph 6:4; 2 Tim 1:5; Deut 7:3-4; 32:7) edition of the New International Version will be used in this study. Part One: 1 Corinthians 7:1-24 I. Introduction to 1 Corinthians 7. A. Source of information: Chloe s household have informed me (1:11; 16:17-18). B. Subject: sexual relations: It is good for a man not to have sexual relations (7:1). C. Three sections: : Married people (exception of 7:8-9) : Stay where you are: should remain in the situation called them : Virgins, pledged, and widows. II. Three Sections of 1 Corinthians 7. 1

2 A. Married and previously married (1-16). 1. All married (7:1-7). a. three directives: 1. You should have (ἐχέτω) sexual relations with your own spouse (7:2) mutual responsibility: fulfill marital duty (7:3-4). 3. separation joint decision: by mutual consent (7:5-7). 2. Previously married: unmarried (ἄγαμος) and widows (ταῖς χήραις) (7:8-9). a. agamos (ἄγαμος) describes four different groups: 1. widowers: (τοῖς ἀγάμοις 7:8). NIV 2011 footnote: widowers. 2. divorced women: (ἐὰν δὲ καὶ χωρισθῇ, μενέτω ἄγαμος 7:10-11). 3. never married men: (ὁ ἄγαμος 7:32). 4. never married women: (ἡ γυνὴ ἡ ἄγαμος καὶ ἡ παρθένος 7:34 presently not married (not engaged) and virgin (a person who never had sex or is engaged). In 7:36 a virgin is an engaged person. 2 b. description of single celibate life: 1. good (kalos: καλὸς 7:1, 8, 26). 2. better (krisson: κρεῖσσον 7:38). 3. happier (μακαριωτέρα: 7:40). Translated as blessed (Rom 4:7-8). 3. Married Christians 7: (See Mark 10:11-12: both men and women). a. 7:10 Separate (chorizō) meant divorce (Mark 10:6). b. two options inserted by Paul: remain unmarried or else be reconciled. 4. Mixed marriages: believer and unbeliever (7:12-16). a. do not divorce 3 (aphiemi: μὴ ἀφιέναι 7:11b, 12-13) for three reasons: 1. unbeliever is sanctified: (ἡγίασται is from ἅγιαζω: hagiazo 7:14a). 2. children are holy: (hagios: ἅγιος 7:14b). 3. convert unbeliever: (σώσεις: you will save 7:16). b. if unbeliever leaves, believer is not bound (οὐ δεδούλωται). Elements of marriage are gone with departure. Why the question? (1 Cor 5:9; 2 Cor 6:14-7:1). B. Stay where you are (7:17-24). 1. Five groups: Note the use of remain (meno: μενω) 7:8, 11, 20, 24, 40. a. widowers and widows: remain single (μείνωσιν: 7:8; μείνῃ: 7:40). b. married: stay married 7:10-16). (μὴ ἀφιέναι: 7:11; μὴ ἀφιέτω: 7:12-13). c. divorced: remain single (unmarried) (μενέτω: 7:11). d. never married: stay unmarried (μὴ ζήτει γυναῖκα: 7:26). e. pledged or engaged: stay engaged (μὴ ζήτει λύσιν: 7:27). 1 1 Cor 5:1b: ὥστε γυναῖκά τινα τοῦ πατρὸς ἔχειν (literal: so that wife one of the father to have: A man is sleeping with his father s wife or a man is living with his father s wife (NRSV). 2 The kai kai structure is usually translated both and. Using this construction the best translation would be both the unmarried and the virgin ( never had sex), therefore denoting two classes and not one class. The best argument for the unmarried and virgin being the same is found in 7:34b. because a singular and not a plural verb is used ( that she may be holy in body and spirit ). It is for this reason many translations have elected to translate and (kai) as or (ESV, TEV, RSV, NEB, and NIV). 3 The Oxyrhynchus Papyri: But if I die with this will unchanged, I set free under sanction of Zeus. 2

3 2. Two illustrations: circumcision (7:18-20) and slavery (7:21-23). 3. Remain where you were called (μενέτω: 7:20, 24). Note 7:17 should live. Part Two: 1 Corinthians 7:25-40 C. Virgins, pledged, and widows (7:25-40). 1. Two observations: Περὶ δὲ τῶν παρθένων ἐπιταγὴν κυρίου οὐκ ἔχω. a. now about: peri de (Περὶ δὲ): 7:1; 8:1; 12:1; 16:1; 16:12. b. virgin (παρθένος): defined as never had sex (25, 28, 34, 36-38; Rev 14:4). Note: In giving his judgment, Paul felt he was trustworthy (κυρίου πιστὸς εἶναι: 7:25) and had the Spirit of God (πνεῦμα θεοῦ ἔχειν: 7:40). 2. Two reasons to stay single: (7:25-35). a. present crisis was a famine: (διὰ τὴν ἐνεστῶσαν ἀνάγκην 7:26-28a). (1) Are you pledged to a woman? (δέδεσαι γυναικί) Do not seek to be released (μὴ ζήτει λύσιν) Are you free from such a commitment? (λέλυσαι ἀπὸ γυναικός), Do not look for a wife (μὴ ζήτει γυναῖκα). But if you do marry (ἐὰν δὲ καὶ γαμήσῃς) you have not sinned and if a virgin marries, (ἐὰν γήμῃ ἡ παρθένος), she has not sinned. 4 (2) Four problems with the married and divorced interpretation: (a) married and divorced are discussed in 7:1-16. (b) divorced (γυναῖκα ἀπὸ ἀνδρὸς μὴ χωρισθῆναι) are to remain unmarried (μενέτω ἄγαμος) or be reconciled (καταλλαγήτω) 7:11. (c) not the Greek words for married (gameo: γαμεω) and divorced (chorizo: χωρίζω) and aphiemi: ἀφίημι), but uses deo (δεω) and luo (λυω). 5 (d) 7:25-40 to virgins. gune = virgin woman. (7:39; Matt 1:19). b. single person can live with undivided devotion to the Lord (7:32-35). 3. Three instructions for engaged: (7:36-38). a. not be acting honorably toward the virgin he is engaged to: marry (7:36a). 4 There is probably no verse in this chapter of 1 Corinthians which has been so clearly misinterpreted because of poor translations as this verse. Even though Paul explicitly states that he is dealing with virgins in 7:25ff, many translations and interpreters have Paul abandon his stated topic and begin to discuss the issue of divorce and remarriage. The two brief questions and answers stated in 7:27 deal with the issues and decisions facing those never before married, not those who are single again (or hoping to be single again). Paul s first question, in Greek, is Are you obligated to a woman? Paul s answer is, Do not seek (your) freedom. The apostle s second question is Are you free from a woman? Paul s answer is Do not seek a wife. Paul is writing to those who are obligated by engagement to a woman. He is not requiring that they terminate this relationship. Are you free from a woman refers to being free from a relationship of engagement. To those at present unengaged, Paul counsels them not to enter such a relationship with a woman. Richard E. Oster, 1 Corinthians (Joplin, MO.: College Press,1995), Jesus used the bill of divorcement and divorce in same verse (Matt 19:7) βιβλον ποστασου κα πολσαι. Apoluo in Septuagint: Gen 15:2 continue or go; Exod 33:11 turned; Num 20:29 died. In the writings of Xenophon apoluo was translated as release and relieve (Greek historian: late 5 th or early 4 th BCE). 3

4 b. control a problem: marry (7:36b-37; see 7:9; not sinning: 28, 36). c. marrying is right (καλῶς: 37-38): not marrying is better (7:38). 4. Three comments for widows: (7:39-40). a. free to marry anyone she wishes: death and divorce certificates (7:39). b. husband must belong to the Lord (μόνον ἐν κυρίῳ: 7:39b) Deut 7:3-4. c. she is happier not married (7:40) (μακαριωτέρα δέ ἐστιν ἐὰν οὕτως μείνῃ). Part Three: Three Influences on the Writing of 1 Corinthians 7 III. Three Influences on the Writing of 1 Corinthians 7 A. sexual immorality is occurring (διὰ δὲ τὰς πορνείας: 7:2); 6:9-11; 1 Thess 4:3-4. B. Present crisis (famine) 7:26: Acts 11:28-30 (7:2-5; 7:33; Gen 1:28; Ps 127:4-5; Exod 21:10-11). 1. Two abuses of Exod 21:10-11: food, clothing, and marital rights. a. Ezek 16:8-19, 32: You adulterous wife! You prefer strangers. b. Hos 2:2: she is not my wife and I am not her husband. See 2:5, 8-10; 11:2. C. Early return of Jesus. 1. 1:7; 3:13; 4:5; 5:5; 16:22 (Phil 1:6; 3:20; 4:5; Rom 13:11-12; Col 3:4; Titus 2:13; 1Tim 6:14). See Heb 12:28; 1 Pet 5:4; Jude 24; Acts 1: Compare 15:50-57 with 1 Thess 4: time is short (7:29) and the world in its present form is passing away (7:31). 4. If the Lord is coming, why marry? 5. Influenced by monotheism and election of the Hebrew Bible (Deut 6:4; Rom 9:13). 6. Future travel plans to Spain: I plan to do so when I go to Spain (Rom 15:24). 7. In later letters Paul felt he would die before return (Phil 1:21; 2 Tim 4:6). 8. Later writings: (a) 1 John 3:2; 4:17; Rev 1:3, 7; Jas 5:8-9; 2 Pet 3: (b) Didache (100 C.E.) and Epistle of Barnabas (130 C.E.). Note: When Paul lacks information, two observations about his writing: 1. Tentative: I wish, I say, I think, What I mean, and I would like. 2. Length: 7:10-11 and 7:12-16: Two verses as opposed to five verses. Part Four: Occasional Nature of Scripture 6 I. Two Examples of Occasional Nature of Scripture. 7 A. 1 Tim 3:6a: He must not be a recent convert: μὴ νεόφυτον: neophuton (Titus 1:5-9). B. Gal 4:10: observing special days and months and seasons and years (Rom 14:5-6). II. 1 Corinthians 7 is Occasional. 8 6 Jas 2:14, 17, 20, 24 compared to Rom 3:20, 28; 4:2-6: definition and occasion. 7 Prov 26:4-5: Two different ways to treat a fool: Do not answer versus answer. 8 Synoptic gospels are occasional: Matthew for Jews and Mark/Luke for Gentiles 4

5 A. Two occasional factors. 1. Early return of Jesus. 2. Present crisis: famine (Acts 11:28-30; 1 Cor 11:21, 34). B. Widows: stay unmarried (7:8, 40) versus: widows to marry (1 Tim 5:14). III. How to Study the Gospels. A. Author: relationship to Jesus. Mark and Luke were not apostles. B. Purpose: writers were not interested in chronology or historical reconstruction. C. Audience: Jewish (Matthew) or Greco-Roman (Mark and Luke). D. Selection: Mark 8:22-26; Luke 1:1-4; 3:18; 22:65; Acts 2:40; 20:35 John 20:30; 21:25. E. Arrangement: baptism of Jesus, transfiguration, denials, and temptations. F. Adaptation: explains some of the differences between Matthew 19 and Mark 10. Part Five: Meaning of Deuteronomy 24:1-4 and a Definition of Adultery I. Meaning of Deuteronomy 24:1-4. A. Three purposes: 1. Keep divorce from happening: four requirements. 2. Protect rights of the woman. 3. Protect second marriage: first husband is not allowed to marry her again. B. Only command: cannot remarry first wife. Why? 1. She has been defiled (24:4). 2. Double profit: dowry (bride price). C. Meaning of indecent (24:1; 23:13): (ervath dabhar: דכד :(צרוח incest Trivial: burning the toast or fixing non-tithed food (Hillel). 2. Sexual unfaithfulness (Shammai). 10 II. Definition of Adultery. A. Used two ways: 1. Physical: John 8:4: was caught in the act of adultery (Lev 20:10). 2. Metaphorical: Jer 3:9: with stone and wood (Ezek 23:37; Jas 4:4; Matt 12:39). B. Loaded term: connected with Ten Commandments (Exod 20:14) and death (Lev 20:10: both the adulterer and the adulteress are to be put to death ). Part Six: Gospel of Mark I. Mark s Church. A. Mark 8:22-26 (2nd touch needed): Once more Jesus put his hands on the man s eyes. 9 Divorce and incestuous marriages were common practices in Egypt where the Jews had lived for 430 years (Gal 3:17). Deuteronomy 24:1-4 can be viewed as God s corrections for these two practices. 10 Stoning was not always practiced (Lev 20:10; Num 15:32-36; Deut 21:21). 5

6 B. The book of Hebrews indicates the early church was not: 1. Mature (5:11-14): You need milk, and not solid food! 2. Faithful (10:32-35): Remember those earlier days after you had received the light. 3. Strong (12:12): Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. II. Three Triads (8:31; 9:31; 10:33). A. Three-fold pattern: (8:31-38) 1. Passion statement: and that he must be killed and after three days rise again. 2. Misunderstanding by the disciples: Peter took him began to rebuke him. 3. Correction and teaching: must deny themselves take up their cross follow me. B. Second triad (9:33-10:31): teachings and corrections of Jesus. 1. Used a child to counter misunderstanding of the disciples (9:33-37). 2. How others who are driving out demons should be seen (9:38-41). 3. How little ones should be seen (9:42-50). 4. Corrected misunderstanding of Deuteronomy 24 (10:1-12). 5. Children and receiving the kingdom of God (10:13-16). 6. Corrected rich young man about eternal life (10:17-31). III. Fourteen Differences in the Jesus-Pharisee Dialogue in Matthew and Mark. A. Teaching: didasko (ἐδίδασκεν αὐτούς Mark 10:1) and healing: (therapuo: ἐθεράπευσεν αὐτούς Matt 19:2). B. Matt 19:3: for any and every reason (κατὰ πᾶσαν αἰτίαν) is missing in Mark 10:2. IV. Three Adaptations. 11 A. Disciples received the teaching in the house (Matt 19:3-9; Mark 10:10-12). B. Not in Matthew: she divorces and marries another man (Mark 10:12; 1 Cor 7:10). C. Not in Matthew: against her (ἐπ αὐτήν) Mark 10:11b; Num 30: Part Seven: Matthew 5:32 I. Matthew 5:32. A. Abolish and fulfill in respect to the Law and the Prophets (Matt 5:17-20) Abolish meant to interpret incorrectly. 2. Fulfill meant to uphold or place on a firm footing. 3. Matt 23:1-2 obey them and do everything they tell you. B. But I tell you (ἐγὼ δὲ λέγω ὑμῖν: Matt 5: 22, 28, 32, 34, 39, 44; 17:12). 1. Does not mean to contrast. 2. Does mean to explain the intent. C. Three antitheses: 11 The following are three examples of adaptations of scriptures: (1) Jesus (Matt 22:41-45: Ps 110:1) (2) Matthew (Matt 2:14-15: Hos 11:1) (3) Paul (Rom 1:17: Hab 2:4). 12 Contrast Matt 7:12; 22:37-40 with Luke 6:31; 10:25-27 in respect to the Law and the Prophets. 6

7 1. Murder (5:21-26). 23:17: You blind fools; Mark 3:5: looked at them in anger. 2. Adultery (5:27-30). Note: the first of two ways to commit adultery. 3. Divorce (5:31-32). a. four observations about Jesus s teaching: (1) divorced woman can become the wife of another man Deut 24:2. (2) Jesus opposed the misuse of the intent of Deut 24:1-4. (3) woman was the victim: makes her the victim of adultery 5:32. (4) the divorcing man was in the wrong. b. hyperbole and metaphorical. (1) found in the context of hyperboles both before and after 5:32 (5:27-6:4). (2) a literal reading of 5:32b contradicts Torah (Deut 24:1-2) Part Eight: The Exception Clause D. Exception clause: (παρεκτὸς λόγου πορνείας: 5:32 and μὴ ἐπὶ πορνείᾳ: 19:9). 1. Meaning: broad definition (all types of sexual behavior 1 Cor 6:18; 1 Thess 4:3). a. three possible meanings: 13 (1) marital unfaithfulness: (Matt 15:19; Mark 7:21;1 Cor 6:9; Heb 13:4). (2) incest (1 Cor 5:1: πορνεία; Acts 15:29: πορνείας; Lev 17:8-18:30). (3) unfaithfulness during engagement (Deut 22:13-21). b. two best options: (1) incest (Matt 14:1-12; Lev 18:16; 20:21) (Mark 3:6; 11:18; Luke 13:31-33). (2) unfaithfulness during engagement: supports Torah (Deut 22:21) and Joseph. 2. Origin (assuming meant marital unfaithfulness and originated with Jesus). a. four problems: (1) Matt 19:6; Gen 2:24: what God has joined together, let no one separate. (2) response of the disciples--- better not to marry (19:10). (3) Greco-Roman world was not the intended readers of Matthew (24:15). (4) two different teachings for two different worlds (Jewish and Greco-Roman). b. solve the four problems by having the exception clause originate with Matthew with two possible meanings: incest (Acts 10:1-48; 11:19-26; 15:1, 5, 11, 19; Gal 2:11-14) 14 or unfaithfulness during engagement (Deut 22:13-21; Matt 1:18). 3. Seven observations about Matthew s addition of the exception clause. a. did not misrepresent Jesus any more than the adaptations of Mark do. b. Matt 16:4: adds except the sign of Jonah not in Mark 8:12 (Matt 12:39). c. exception clause out of place in the Sermon on the Mount. d. without the exception clause, the reaction of disciples is understandable. e. exception clause is a part of the text, but not in red letters. 13 Appendices V and Y. 14 Since Matthew was known and used in Antioch by AD 115, it has often been suggested that it was written in that city.antioch was a Greek-speaking city which contained several Jewish synagogues; So it is not hard to envisage in Antioch the tensions which seem to be reflected in Matthew between dominant Jewish synagogues and Matthew s smaller mixed Jewish and Gentile Christian communities. Graham Stanton, The Gospels and Jesus (2 nd ed.; Oxford: University Press, 2002), 77. 7

8 f. Mark left it out because it meant unfaithfulness during engagement (Mark 13:14). g. without exception clause there is agreement with Mark, Luke, and Paul. Part Nine: Matthew 19:1-12 and Luke 16:18 II. Matthew 19:1-9. A. Teaching on greatness (18:1-20:28). 1. What is greatness: a. finding lost ones: these little ones should be lost (18:10-14). b. reconciliation with others: won your brother over (18:15-20). c. forgiveness: not seven times, but seventy-seven times (18:21-35). 2. What greatness is not: a. not law keeping: Is it lawful (19:3). b. not keeping the Ten Commandments: All these I have kept (19:16-30). c. not how long one has been in the kingdom: last first first will be last (20:1-16). d. not having an exalted place in the kingdom: right and other left (20:20-24). Note: Definition of true greatness (18:1-4; 20:25-28): humility and servant hood. B. Pharisees asked the question: Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any and every reason? (19:3). The heart of the Jewish debate. Command versus permission. III. Luke 16:18. A. Group of isolated statements (16:16-17). Danger of riches: 16:9-15; B. Three observations. 1. Matthew 5:32 (man marries and minus exception) resembles Luke 16: Luke 16:18a resembles Mark 10:11: Anyone who divorces his wife and marries. 3. Luke 16:18: sources (Luke 1:1-4) or combination of Matt 5:32 and Mark 10:11. IV. Marriage and Divorce Texts are Hyperboles. A. Matthew 5:32; 19:9: opposed false understanding of Deuteronomy 24 by the use of hyperbole in reference to the divorced woman being guilty of adultery in a second marriage. Minus the exception, the teaching would be radical and absolute. B. Mark 10:11-12: stated with no exceptions as empathic, radical and absolute. C. Luke 16:18: a literal reading would disagree with Torah (Deut 24:1-4). V. Marriage and Divorce Texts are Occasional. A. 1 Corinthians 7: present crisis (famine), early return of Jesus, and immoral climate. B. Matthew texts: limited to Jewish issues of incest or unfaithfulness in engagement. C. Mark and Luke: addressed the Greco-Roman world with an absolute and radical statement without exceptions unless they are seen as hyperboles. Part Ten: Paul and a Biblical-Contemporary Paradigm 1. Two Reasons for Needing a Biblical-Contemporary Paradigm. 8

9 A. Marriage and divorce texts are limited by occasion and audience. B. Ancient world s view of marriage was different than the 21 st century western world. II. How Paul Determined Ethical Conduct. A. Two elements Character of God (1 Cor 6:15-20; 1 Thess 4:1-8; Eph 1:14; 2:20, 22; 5:1; Col 3:10; 1 Tim 6:11; Lev 11:44-45; 19:2; 20:7; 1 Pet 1:15-16: be holy, because I am holy ). a. Paul and the Hebrew Bible (Acts 22:3; Phil 3:5-6; 1 Cor 10:11; Rom 15:4; 2 Tim 3:15-17) (1) Gen 2:24: quoted in 1 Cor 6:16 ; Eph 5:29 ( The two will become one flesh ). (2) Romans: quoted from 15 different books including seven prophets (1:2; 3:21). (3) used Septuagint (Greek translation of Hebrew Bible) in Romans (4) Mal 1:2-3 (Rom 9:13); 2: Mind of Jesus (Phil 2:5; 1 Cor 2:16; Col 1:27; 3:1-3; Rom 6:1-14). a. knowledge (Acts 20:35; 1 Cor 7:10; 9:14; 11:20-26; 1 Thess 4:15; Rom 1:3). b. how obtained. (Luke 1:1-4; John 20:30; 2 Cor 12:2; Gal 1:12, 17-18; 2:1-10; Acts 15:2; 2 Pet 1:21). c. Christ used to solve church problems. (1) with one another have the same mindset as Christ Jesus (Phil 2:5). (2) wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ (1 Cor 8:12). (3) Rather clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ (Rom 13:14; 15:3, 7). B. 1 Corinthians 7:12-16: (Change of loyalty and exclusiveness, covenant, food, clothing, and marital rights: she is to go free, without any payment of money (Exod 21:11b). Part Eleven: Biblical-Contemporary Paradigm III. Biblical-Contemporary Paradigm. A. Two foundations of the Biblical-Contemporary Paradigm. 1. Character of God. a. did not divorce after first violation (Jer 3:6; Ezek 16:32). b. opposed sinful behavior (Exod 34:7b). c. illustrated commitment, forgiveness, and compassion (Exod 34:6-7a). d. did not sin in divorcing Israel (Jer 3:8). e. only separated from Judah (Isa 50:1). f. open to reconciliation (Jer 3:1; 4:1). 2. Mind and ministry of Jesus: (Rom 8:29; Gal 3:26; Rom 13:14; 2 Cor 2:15; 3:18; Gal 4:19; Eph 4:15). B. The Biblical-Contemporary Paradigm is not occasional. 1. Rooted in the Hebrew Bible. 15 I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus (Acts 20:21). 16 James W. Thompson, Moral Formation According to Paul: The Context and Coherence of Pauline Ethics (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2011),

10 2. Used by New Testament writers. 17 C. The Biblical-Contemporary Paradigm can be abused and as grace was abused: 1. Rom 6:1: Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? 2. Jude 4: people pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality. D. Terms: innocent, guilty, scriptural, and unscriptural. Part Twelve: Divorce and Forgiveness I. Two Questions Pertaining to Divorce and Forgiveness A. Am I following the example and character of God? B. Am I functioning with the mind of Christ? II. Three Suggestions for a Troubled Marriage. A. Pursue counseling. B. Earn their way out of the marriage. C. Safety of spouse and children must be considered. Gen 2:18; Mal 2:16 The man who hates and divorces his wife. (NIV 2011, ESV). III. Divorced are Not Second Class Citizens. A. Jesus was a friend to broken people (Luke 4:16-19; 5:29-32; 7:34; 15:1-2). B. Nature of the church is: 1. Fellowship of the flawed versus the fellowship of the fine. 2. Hospital for sinners versus a museum for saints. 3. Sign: Where the problems of the world meet the power of God. IV. Reconciliation and Repentance. A. Acknowledgement of wrong: Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation (2 Cor 7:10; 2 Sam 12:13; Ps 32:5; 51:1-2; Dan 9:8, 15; Jas 5:16). 18 B. Changed life: Produce fruit in keeping with repentance (Luke 3:7-14; 19:8). C. Stop it: Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer (Eph 4:28a; John 8:11). V. Four Observations About the Early Church. A. Not an issue before or after becoming a Christian (Rom 1:18-32; 1 Cor 6:9-11). B. No demand to divorce: (Acts 15:1). C. Limited texts: (Mark 6:18; 1 Cor 5:1; 7:10-16; 1 Tim 4:3; Heb 13:4). D. 1 Cor 7:17-24: Stay where you were called could apply to marriages. 19 VI. Remarriage in the Hebrew Bible and New Testament John 2:6; 3:16; 4:11-12; 1 Pet 1:13-16; 2:9-10; Acts 11: Cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship (New York: Touchstone, 1995), Because of the climate, (1 Cor 6:12-13; 7:2) lifestyle background, (1 Cor 6:9-11) and post-christian behavior, (1 Cor 5:1-2) incestuous and multiple-marriages in the Corinthian church could be assumed. 10

11 A. Deut 24:1-4: divorce certificate freed indecent woman for a second marriage. 20 B. Exod 21:10-11: lack of provisions freed a slave woman from marriage. C. Lev 21:7, 13; Ezek 44:22: other men could marry divorced women. D. 1 Cor 7:15: deserted believers were no longer under the marriage bondage. Note: In 1 Cor 7:11 the divorced are to stay single along with the virgins, widowers, and widows. Divorced should stay unmarried to have an opportunity for reconciliation or because of the famine or Jesus s return and not because of ineligibility for marriage. VII. Paul Gave Three Reasons for Marriage in 1 Corinthians 7. A. immorality is occurring (διὰ δὲ τὰς πορνείας: 7:2; 1 Thess 4:3-4). B. Satan: Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control (7:5). C. Danger: lack of self-control (7:5); cannot control themselves (7:9) (7:36-37). VIII. Two Examples of God s Forgiveness of Sin: Hezekiah: healed the people (2 Chr 30:15-20); David: you forgave the guilt of my sin (Ps 32:5) (Ps 51; Rom 4:6-8; Acts 13:36). IX. Hebrew Bible and Forgiveness of Sin: forgive their sin (2 Chr 7:14) transgressions are forgiven sins are covered (Ps 32:1) (Ps 103:12; Isa 1:18; 55:7; Micah 7:19; Zech 3:9). X. New Covenant and Forgiveness of Sin: (2 Cor 5:17-21; Rom 3:22; Phil 3:9; Heb 8:12; 1 John 1:5-2:2; Luke 24:47; Acts 2:38; 3:19; Titus 3:7; 1 Cor 6:9-11; 2 Cor 11:2). Conclusion A. Four lens through which marriage, divorce, and remarriage can be viewed: 1. Through Roman Catholic Church teachings. 2. Through religious teachings and traditions. 3. Through context, arrangement, culture, and language of biblical texts. 4. Through the character of God and the mind of Jesus based on Scripture. B. Seven observations about marriage and divorce. 1. Marriage: change of loyalty and exclusiveness, covenant, a teaching center with the provisions of food, clothing, and marital rights. 2. Divorce was not a sin, but violations of the covenant that make it necessary were: gave certificate of divorce because of all her adulteries (Jer 3:8). 3. Paul recommended staying unmarried for every one (widowers, widows, divorced, and virgins) because of the present crisis, early return of Jesus, divided interests, and reconciliation as in the case of 1 Cor 7: Marriage and divorce texts are limited because of their occasional nature. 5. Gospel texts are hyperboles with a metaphorical definition of adultery. 20 The Jewish divorce certificate stated the woman could marry any man she wished (Gittin 9:1-3). 11

12 6. Two best options for the exception clause: a. Jesus: meaning unfaithfulness in engagement or incest. b. Matthew: meaning unfaithfulness in engagement or incest. 7. Biblical-Contemporary Paradigm: scripturally based on the character of God and mind of Jesus rather than occasional isolated gospels texts or 1 Corinthians 7. C. Unsupported biblical conclusions can be traced to five factors: 1. Failure to read the texts in the manner they were spoken and heard. 2. Failure to understand the meaning of words and definition of marriage. 3. Failure to understand the historical, context, and arrangement of the texts. 4. Failure to understand the occasional nature of scripture. 5. Failure to understand the influence of the Roman Catholic Church. D. When confronted with new information, there are two options: change one s mind or get rid of the information. E. An admonition, an observation, and a recommendation. 1. From John T. Willis: A careful study of the Bible is indispensable to one who seriously believes that is contains the word of God. He who holds such a conviction approaches the text in a spirit of humility, sincerely desiring to understand its meaning. He tries diligently to rid himself of preconceived ideas and strives to open his mind and heart to allow the various inspired writers to say what they really intended to their original audiences and not what he would like for them to have said. Thus he never reaches the place where his mind is closed to possible interpretations different from those to which he has already been exposed. In fact, he welcomes new light on any passage. After all, if his interpretation is correct, he will not be afraid to examine any position, because his correct understanding can reveal the inadequacies of other views. If he is incorrect and is honestly searching for truth, he will be glad to abandon wrong understandings for more correct ones. It would be impossible to grow intellectually or spiritually (as 2 Pet 3:18 admonishes) if one did not have to re-examine his earlier views and attitudes again and again and frequently change them From Luke: Bereans examined the Scriptures every day (Acts 17:11). 3. From Paul: a workman who correctly handles the word of truth (2 Tim 2:15). Suggested Reading: Articles and Books Blomberg, Craig L. Marriage, Divorce, Remarriage, and Celibacy: An Exegesis of Matthew 19:3-12. Trinity Journal n. s. 2 (1990): Instone-Brewer, David. Divorce and Remarriage in the Bible: The Social and Literary Context. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, Instone-Brewer, David. Divorce & Remarriage in the Church: Biblical Solutions for Pastoral Realities. Waynesboro, GA.: Paternoster Press, John T Willis, ed. The World and Literature of the Old Testament (Austin, TX.: Sweet Publishing Company 1979), This 355 page book is the most in depth study of marriage, divorce, and remarriage available. 12

13 Instone-Brewer, David. Three Weddings and A Divorce: God s Covenant With Israel, Judah and the Church. Tyndale Bulletin 47, no. 1 (1996): Keener, Craig S....And Marries Another: Divorce and Remarriage in the Teachings of the New Testament. Peabody, MA.: Hendrickson Publishers, Osburn, Carroll D. The Present Indicative of Matt 19:9. Restoration Quarterly 24 (4, 1981): Oster, Richard E. 1 Corinthians. College Press: Joplin, MO.: College Press, Strauss, Mark L., ed. Remarriage After Divorce in Today s Church: 3 Views. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, Witherington, Ben. Matthew 5.32 and Exception or Exceptional Situation? New Testament Studies 31, no. 4 (1985): This is an excellent commentary on 1 Corinthians. 24 This book presents the pros and cons of three different positions on marriage and divorce. 13