Marriage, divorce, and remarriage
Jesus on Divorce and Remarriage
These reflections examine what Jesus actually revealed about marriage, divorce, and remarriage. They consider the words of Jesus in their scriptural and spiritual context, including the difficult questions surrounding adultery, abandonment, abuse, separation, and remarriage.
They are not offered as a new list of permitted and forbidden circumstances, but as a way of returning to the beginning Jesus revealed.
Current article cluster
Biblical Reflections on the First Report
overview
What Did Jesus Say About Divorce and Remarriage?
A broad examination of Matthew 19 and the wider scriptural witness, including hardness of heart, adultery, abandonment, abuse, and remarriage, and the difference between protecting marriage and using its language to hold people in bondage.
Matthew 19:9
Can a Christian Remarry After Adultery?
A focused consideration of Matthew 19:9, the meaning of porneia, the so-called innocent spouse, and whether remarriage should be understood as an ongoing state of adultery.
repentance and faithfulness
Is Remarriage a Continuous State of Adultery?
A careful answer for divorced and remarried Christians asking whether Jesus' words name a sinful beginning, an ongoing identity, or a present call to truth, repentance, forgiveness, and faithfulness.
abuse and safety
Is Divorce Biblical in Cases of Abuse?
A careful examination of abuse, safety, separation, divorce, one flesh, and the claim that God requires an abused spouse to remain in a relationship that is destroying the life marriage was meant to manifest.