1 Corinthians 7:13 – “And if a woman has a husband who is not a believer and he is willing to live with her, she must not divorce him.”
Extended Explanation
This verse is a continuation of Paul’s teaching on marriage between a believer and an unbeliever. In verse 12, Paul spoke to Christian husbands who were married to unbelieving wives. Here, he speaks to Christian wives in the same situation. He tells them that if their unbelieving husband is willing to stay in the marriage, they should not seek a divorce.
At the time, some new Christians may have thought that their faith required them to leave a spouse who did not share their beliefs. Paul makes it clear that this is not necessary. As long as the unbelieving spouse is willing to remain in the marriage, the believing spouse should stay committed to the relationship.
Paul’s words reflect the importance of marriage and the possibility that a believing spouse may have a positive spiritual influence on their husband or wife.
Historical Context
In the Roman world, marriage was often based on social, political, or economic reasons rather than love and commitment. Divorce was easy to obtain, and it was common for people to leave a spouse for minor reasons.
In the early church, many people became Christians after they were already married. This created situations where one spouse followed Jesus while the other did not. Some believers may have felt pressured to leave their unbelieving spouse because they thought it would make them more holy. Others may have worried that living with an unbeliever would compromise their faith.
Paul reassures these believers that they do not need to leave their spouse. Instead, they should remain faithful to the marriage, as long as their unbelieving husband or wife is willing to stay.
This teaching was countercultural. In both Jewish and Roman traditions, men had more authority in marriage than women. By addressing wives directly and giving them equal responsibility in the marriage relationship, Paul was affirming their value and role in the home.
Theological Implications
- Marriage is Sacred, Even When One Spouse is an Unbeliever – Paul teaches that marriage remains valid even when only one spouse is a follower of Christ.
- Faithfulness in Marriage Honors God – Christians are called to remain faithful to their marriage vows, reflecting God’s own faithfulness.
- Believers Can Influence Their Unbelieving Spouse – A Christian’s presence in a marriage can be a powerful witness of God’s love and truth (1 Peter 3:1-2).
- Christianity Does Not Promote Divorce as a First Option – Unlike some religious traditions that encourage leaving an unbelieving spouse, Paul teaches that faithfulness should come first.
Literary Analysis
Paul’s wording in this verse is similar to the previous verse (1 Corinthians 7:12), reinforcing that his instructions apply to both men and women equally.
The phrase “must not divorce him” is a direct command, showing that staying in the marriage is the right course of action if the unbelieving spouse is willing to remain.
The wording “willing to live with her” is significant. It suggests that the unbelieving spouse must choose to stay in the relationship. If they are hostile to the faith or unwilling to continue the marriage, Paul will address that situation in verse 15.
Biblical Cross-References
- 1 Corinthians 7:14 – Paul explains how a believing spouse can have a sanctifying influence on their family.
- 1 Peter 3:1-2 – Encourages believing wives to win over their unbelieving husbands through godly conduct.
- Matthew 19:6 – Jesus teaches that marriage is meant to be permanent and should not be easily broken.
- Malachi 2:16 – God expresses His displeasure with divorce, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness.
- Ephesians 5:31-32 – Marriage is a reflection of Christ’s love for the church, which is faithful and enduring.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse is still very relevant today. Many Christians find themselves in marriages where their spouse does not share their faith. Paul’s teaching provides clear guidance—if the unbelieving spouse is willing to stay, the believer should remain committed to the marriage.
For Christian wives married to unbelieving husbands, this verse offers encouragement. Their marriage is not invalid, and their faithfulness can have a powerful influence on their spouse.
For Christian husbands, the principle is the same. They are called to remain faithful to their wife and to reflect Christ’s love in their marriage.
For churches, this verse is a reminder that believers in mixed-faith marriages need support, encouragement, and prayer. Instead of pushing them toward separation, the church should help them strengthen their marriage and be a witness for Christ within their home.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is patient, faithful, and enduring. Just as God remains faithful to His people even when they are far from Him, He calls believers to remain faithful in their marriages.
This verse also reflects God’s heart for the lost. Rather than telling believers to leave their unbelieving spouse, God’s desire is for them to be a light in their marriage. He works through relationships to bring people to faith, and marriage can be a place where His love is demonstrated in a powerful way.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the ultimate example of faithfulness. Just as He does not abandon His people, believers are called to remain faithful in their marriage. His love for the church is a model for how husbands and wives should treat each other (Ephesians 5:25).
Jesus also showed compassion to those in difficult relationships. He reached out to the Samaritan woman (John 4:7-26), offering her living water despite her troubled past. He did not reject people because of their marital struggles but invited them into a life-changing relationship with Him.
Believers in spiritually mixed marriages can take comfort in knowing that Jesus understands their situation and gives them strength to remain faithful.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why do you think Paul encourages believers to stay in their marriage if their unbelieving spouse is willing?
- How can a Christian be a positive influence on their unbelieving spouse?
- What challenges do believers face in mixed-faith marriages, and how can they overcome them?
- How does this verse challenge the idea that faith requires separation from unbelievers?
- How can churches better support Christians who are married to unbelievers?