1 Corinthians 7:13

1 Corinthians 7:13 addresses a specific marital situation within the early Christian community in Corinth, providing guidance to a believing wife married to an unbelieving husband. This verse is part of Paul's extensive teaching on marriage, singleness, and divorce in 1 Corinthians chapter 7, which sought to clarify various domestic issues for new converts navigating their faith within existing societal norms.

Context

In this chapter, Paul responds to questions from the Corinthian believers regarding marital relations, celibacy, and how their new faith in Christ should impact their existing marriages. The early church faced unique challenges, including converts who were married to non-believers. Paul's general principle throughout the chapter is to preserve marriages where possible, promoting stability and peace. This verse specifically mirrors the instruction given to a believing husband in 1 Corinthians 7:12, emphasizing consistency in his counsel for both genders.

Key Themes

• Preservation of Marriage: Paul's counsel prioritizes the continuation of the marital bond, even when there is a spiritual disparity. This reflects a high view of marriage as an institution.
• Conditional Remaining: The crucial phrase "if he be pleased to dwell with her" highlights that the unbelieving spouse's willingness to remain in the marriage is a key factor. If the unbeliever desires to stay, the believing spouse should not initiate separation or divorce.
• Potential for Sanctification: Though not explicitly stated in this verse, the broader context of 1 Corinthians 7:14 suggests that the believing spouse's presence can have a sanctifying or hallowing influence on the unbelieving partner and their children, potentially leading them to faith.
• God's Call to Peace: Underlying Paul's advice is the principle that God calls believers to live in peace, avoiding unnecessary conflict or dissolution of familial ties.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "believeth not" comes from the Greek word apistos (ἄπιστος), meaning "unbelieving" or "faithless," referring to someone outside the Christian faith. The condition "if he be pleased to dwell with her" translates the Greek suneudokei oikein (συνευδοκεῖ οἰκεῖν). Suneudokei implies agreeing or being well-pleased with, indicating the unbelieving spouse's contentment and willingness to continue the marital relationship. This is distinct from a mere tolerance, suggesting a mutual agreement to remain together.

Practical Application

For believers today in what are sometimes called "unequally yoked" marriages, this verse offers significant guidance. It encourages the believing spouse to commit to the marriage if the unbelieving partner desires to stay. This requires patience, love, and a consistent witness of Christ within the home. The believing spouse is called to live out their faith faithfully, praying for their spouse and trusting God for their salvation, rather than initiating divorce. However, it's important to remember that Paul provides a caveat in 1 Corinthians 7:15: if the unbelieving spouse chooses to depart, the believing spouse is not bound.

Reflection

1 Corinthians 7:13 underscores the New Testament's emphasis on the sanctity and permanence of marriage, even in challenging circumstances. It calls believers to a high standard of commitment, reflecting God's faithfulness, and trusting in the transformative power of the Gospel to work through a consistent Christian witness within the home. This verse offers hope and clear direction for those navigating complex marital dynamics.