The Apostle Paul’s teachings on the dissolution of marriage are found primarily within his letters to the Corinthian church. These writings offer guidance on marital conduct, separation, and remarriage, addressing specific questions and challenges faced by early Christians in a Greco-Roman society where divorce was relatively common. His instructions are interwoven with principles of love, faith, and maintaining witness to non-believers.
Understanding Paul’s views on marital separation requires considering the historical and cultural context of his ministry. In that era, legal separations were often easier to obtain than they are in many modern societies. Furthermore, Paul’s emphasis on remaining single, if possible, after separation or divorce, reflects his eschatological urgency and belief in the imminent return of Christ. This context informs interpretations of his instructions regarding whether or not believers should initiate or seek separation from unbelieving spouses.
