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1 Corinthians 7:15

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

1 Corinthians 7:15

Verse 15 of 40

Scripture focus

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.

1 Corinthians 7:15 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on 1 Corinthians 7:15

Theological / Devotional

The unbelieving. The masculine is here used for both parties as is seen later in the verse.

Depart. Or, “separates himself.”

Is ... under bondage. Gr. douloo, “to enslave,” “to reduce to bondage.” If the non-Christian spouse does not wish to remain with the Christian one, and willfully deserts him (or her), the Christian is not to feel obligated to hold the marriage together at all costs. The unbelieving partner who wishes to leave his companion shall not be prevented from so doing. The Christian is under no obligation to attempt to live with a heathen companion against the will of the latter.

To peace. Literally, “in peace.” Let the Christian earnestly strive to live in harmony with the unbelieving companion without compromising principle (see Rom. 12:18; Heb. 12:14). Christianity is a religion of peace; it seeks to prevent or avoid strife and discord (see John 14:27; Rom. 14:19; 2 Cor. 13:11; Phil. 4:7). If peace cannot be had while the Christian and the non-Christian are living together in lawful marriage, and the unbeliever insists on departing, there should be agreement on a peaceful separation.

By SdaBc