Apostle Paul continues his answer on their questions about marriage, giving advice that Christ Jesus did not speak about during his earthly ministry, a mixed religion marriage. What should a spouse do when they come to faith in Jesus and their spouse has not yet done so? Should they remain married to them or divorce them?
Actually, the Greek words translated “divorce” and “certificate of divorce” in the New Testament mean “put away” and “send away”, not divorce as we know it. This is because, for most, becoming a married couple in antiquity was different from the modern era. Unless one was an elite, rich, or royal, they did not receive a legal document certifying their marriage from the government or any other institution. Common law marriage was the norm, the same as couples living together today without being legally married. Roman slaves were not allowed to marry, having only informal unions that their masters could end at any time. Most in ancient Greek and Roman societies separated when they “fell out of love”. The owner of the property the couple lived in “sent away” their spouse.
So, the Corinthian believers asked Paul, “Should we send away our spouse who does not believe in Jesus?” Perhaps they were concerned that they would be influenced into a sinful lifestyle again. Paul’s advice is to stay with the unbelieving spouse. Commentators are unsure as to how the unbelieving spouse is sanctified, “set apart”, and their children are holy (a derivative of the Greek word translated sanctified), especially since Paul does not encourage marrying an unbeliever in 2 Corinthians 6:14-16.
One commentator does make the point that Apostle Paul, who wrote this letter, and young Timothy, who delivered it, were both children of mixed marriages. Both had mothers who were Jews, but fathers who were pagans. Both put faith in the God of Abraham while retaining their Roman citizenship. Their personal experience must have weighed heavily in Paul’s decision to stay with the unbeliever, for their mother did, and it was to their benefit in the end. Similarly, how may children learn that one parent believes in Jesus, while the other does not, even though they may at least on occasion attend a congregation.
