1 Corinthians 7:12, A Wife that Believeth Not

1 Corinthians 7:12 But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away.

The husband with an unbelieving wife is not to leave his wife. He becomes a Christian after marriage as such his wife still an unbeliever. In such a situation, the Apostle Paul advises the man to keep the marriage. It may be that the wife is an idol worshipper still living in great unbelief and darkness.

It is understandable that the Corinthian Christians will ask such a question because the Apostle Paul has just advised them to keep their bodies pure for the Lord. Does it mean that having an unbelieving wife as a spouse makes the believer “unclean” before God? And thus bring dishonour to God. No so!

If she accepts him and is pleased to continue to dwell with him, he is asked not to divorce or be separated from her. The believing husband by his testimony in Christ and through prayer may seek to win her to the Lord. This is pleasing in God’s sight. Perchance, she may be saved! Amen.