NOTES for Co1 7:1-16
What is the Apostle Paul not accused of? Of expressing himself obscurely, of making it possible to misinterpret his words. But most of all, of the fact that today’s text leaves no loopholes. Choose your path responsibly and follow it. Physical love in marriage is indispensable. It is not sufficient for peace, but it is necessary. Divorce is impermissible; fidelity is obligatory. One spouse’s unbelief cannot serve as grounds for destroying the family. How often one hears accusations directed at the Apostle: he supposedly failed to understand everything and cannot give any advice because he himself was never married; besides, he too was human and therefore must have made a mistake somewhere. But such arguments arise precisely when people need to justify what, deep down, even the accusers themselves cannot justify—when they want to find the guilty party anywhere except in their own heart. The Apostle is simply telling us that the family is sanctified by God regardless of changes in our views. Once we have chosen this path, our task is to follow it to the end. Or else to live as he did.