The Question of Divorce Based on Matthew 19:1-12: Did Jesus legalize divorce on grounds for sexual immorality?
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70619/vol1iss1pp40-57Keywords:
Divorce, Marriage, Sexual immoralityAbstract
The paper was guided by the question of divorce based on Matthew 19:1-12, on whether Jesus legalized divorce on grounds for sexual immorality. After evaluating the Jewish setting, historical and geographical background, and the immediate context of Matthew 19:1-12 suggests that by the exception clause ("except for porneia") Jesus permitted divorce only in the case of an unlawful marriage to a near relative and betrothal period. By means of the porneia exception, Jesus did not intend to impose the Levitical norms for legitimate marriage, but simply to declare that when such norms were violated, there was a valid reason for the dissolution of marriage. This view is consistent with the absolute value that Mark, Luke, and Paul placed on the saying of Jesus. I can conclude that by the exception phrase about porneia, Jesus did not intend to open the way for divorce and remarriage in the case of sexual misconduct. Rather, he wished to reaffirm the creation account of permanence of the marriage union but allowing divorce in a case of an unlawful marriage specifically during betrothal period and incestuous relationship. The teaching of Jesus in Matthew 19:1-12 can be summarized in two points. First, divorce is forbidden because it violates God’s intention of marriage as a permanent union of two persons. Second, remarriage after divorce is adultery because divorce does not dissolve the marriage union.
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