Lesson 4790

 (Lesson 4790) (03-17-25) 1st Corinthians 7:12-17 

   “But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away. And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him. For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy. But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace. For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife? But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches.” 

 

   In today’s quote, Paul addressed believers who were married to unbelieving spouses. He instructed that if an unbelieving spouse was willing to stay, the believing spouse should not seek divorce, as their presence sanctifies the marriage and can have a redeeming effect on the family. However, if the unbelieving spouse chooses to leave, the believer is not bound to the marriage and should live in peace. Paul emphasized that the unbelieving husband/wife is “sanctified” by the believing husband/wife. He concluded by reminding believers that they should remain faithful to their calling. ~