1 Corinthians 7:16 – “How do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or, how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, Paul concludes his teaching about marriage between a believer and an unbeliever. He has already encouraged Christians to stay with their unbelieving spouse if the spouse is willing (1 Corinthians 7:12-14). He also said that if the unbeliever chooses to leave, the believer is not bound to the marriage (1 Corinthians 7:15).
Now, in verse 16, Paul raises an important question: How do you know if you might lead your spouse to faith? This is both an encouragement and a reminder.
On one hand, it encourages believers to stay in their marriage if the unbelieving spouse is willing. God may use them as an influence to bring their spouse to salvation. Many people have come to Christ because of the faithful witness of a believing husband or wife.
On the other hand, Paul also reminds believers that they cannot control their spouse’s spiritual journey. There is no guarantee that staying in the marriage will lead the unbeliever to salvation. Ultimately, conversion is a work of God, not something a husband or wife can force.
Historical Context
In the early church, many people became Christians after they were already married. This led to situations where one spouse was a believer and the other was not. Some Christians may have wondered if they should leave their unbelieving spouse for fear that staying would compromise their faith. Others may have hoped that remaining in the marriage would lead to their spouse’s salvation.
Paul’s teaching was countercultural. In Roman society, marriage was often based on convenience, and divorce was common. In Jewish tradition, some rabbis taught that if one spouse abandoned the faith, divorce was necessary. Paul rejects both extremes. He teaches that marriage is sacred and should be preserved if possible, but he also acknowledges that sometimes separation is unavoidable.
This verse would have given hope to believers who were struggling in mixed-faith marriages. It affirmed that their role in the marriage mattered and that God could use them to influence their spouse.
Theological Implications
- God Can Use Believers to Influence Others – A Christian’s faithfulness, love, and character can be a witness to their unbelieving spouse.
- Salvation is Ultimately in God’s Hands – While a believer can be a powerful influence, they cannot force or guarantee their spouse’s salvation.
- Marriage Should Be Valued, But Not Idolized – Paul encourages believers to stay in their marriage, but he also acknowledges that faith in Christ comes first. If an unbelieving spouse leaves, the believer is not bound (1 Corinthians 7:15).
- Christian Living Should be a Testimony – A godly lifestyle in marriage can reflect the love of Christ and open doors for an unbelieving spouse to come to faith.
Literary Analysis
Paul uses rhetorical questions to make his point. Instead of giving a direct answer, he asks, How do you know? This makes the reader think deeply about their situation. The implied answer is that believers should do their part to be faithful but trust God with the outcome.
The verse is also structured to apply equally to men and women. Paul does not show favoritism toward either spouse, reinforcing that both husbands and wives have a role in influencing their marriage for good.
Biblical Cross-References
- 1 Peter 3:1-2 – Encourages believing wives to win over their unbelieving husbands through their godly conduct.
- Matthew 5:16 – Jesus calls believers to let their light shine so others may see their good deeds and glorify God.
- Romans 10:17 – Faith comes from hearing the message of Christ, reminding believers that they can share their faith through words and actions.
- James 1:19-20 – Encourages patience and gentleness, qualities that are important in a mixed-faith marriage.
- Acts 16:31 – “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” This verse highlights how faith can spread through families.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
Many Christians today find themselves married to someone who does not share their faith. This verse is a reminder that God can work through their marriage. A believer’s love, kindness, and faithfulness can be a testimony to their spouse.
At the same time, it relieves the pressure that some believers feel. It is not their responsibility to save their spouse—only God can change hearts. Their role is to live faithfully and trust God with the results.
For those who are struggling in a spiritually mixed marriage, this verse offers encouragement. While it may be difficult at times, their presence in the home matters, and God can use them to be a light.
For churches, this verse is a call to support believers who are in mixed-faith marriages. Instead of pressuring them toward divorce or making them feel spiritually inferior, the church should encourage them, pray for them, and provide resources to help them live out their faith in their marriage.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is patient, kind, and transformative. This verse reflects His heart by showing that He does not give up on unbelievers. He often works through relationships, drawing people to Himself through the faithfulness of those closest to them.
God’s love is also freeing. This verse reminds believers that they are not responsible for their spouse’s salvation. While they can be a witness, the work of salvation belongs to God alone. This takes the burden off believers who may feel pressured to “fix” their spouse’s faith.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus often reached people through relationships. He spent time with sinners, showing them love and truth (Luke 19:1-10). He did not force anyone to follow Him, but His presence and teaching drew many to repentance.
Believers in mixed-faith marriages can follow Christ’s example by showing patience, love, and grace to their spouse. Just as Jesus remained faithful to His mission even when people rejected Him, Christian spouses are called to remain faithful in their marriage, trusting God to work in His timing.
Additionally, Jesus’ own family initially did not believe in Him (John 7:5). Yet later, some of His family members, like James, became leaders in the early church. This is an example of how faith can take time to grow, even among those closest to us.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What does this verse teach about the role of a Christian spouse in a mixed-faith marriage?
- How can a believing husband or wife be a witness to their unbelieving spouse?
- Why is it important to remember that salvation is ultimately God’s work, not ours?
- How does this verse challenge the idea that a believer must leave an unbelieving spouse to be more “holy”?
- What are some practical ways that churches can support Christians who are married to unbelievers?