Here the apostle Paul addresses various issues related to marriage, singleness, and relationships within the Christian community in Corinth. In this specific verse, Paul discusses the situation where a believer is married to an unbeliever.
- Key Points:
Sanctification of the Unbelieving Spouse: The verse begins by stating that the unbelieving spouse (either husband or wife) is sanctified in the believing spouse. "Sanctified" means set apart or made holy. In this context, it suggests a spiritual influence or covering that extends from the believer to their unbelieving spouse.
Sanctification of Children: The verse also mentions that this sanctification extends to the children of such a marriage. Instead of being considered "unclean," they are deemed "holy" or set apart. This implies that the influence of the believing parent has a positive impact on the spiritual status of the children.
- Significance:
Mixed Marriages: It addresses the situation of mixed marriages where one spouse is a believer in Christ while the other is not. In the early Christian community, this was not uncommon, and it continues to be a relevant issue today.
Family Sanctification: The verse highlights the potential spiritual influence of a believing spouse within the family. It suggests that the presence of a believer can have a sanctifying effect on the unbelieving spouse and children.
Spiritual Hope: It offers hope to believers who may be concerned about the spiritual status of their unbelieving family members. It implies that there is a level of spiritual influence that can positively impact the household.
- Application:
Interfaith Marriages: For believers in interfaith marriages, this verse provides reassurance that their faith can have a positive impact on their spouse and children, even if they do not share the same faith.
Prayer and Witness: Believers are encouraged to continue praying for and being a witness to their unbelieving spouses and family members, trusting that God's grace can work in their lives.
Family Unity: It underscores the importance of maintaining unity and love within families, despite differences in faith. Believers are called to love and support their family members while living out their own faith.
Cross-References:
1 Peter 3:1-2: "In the same way, wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; so that, even if any don’t obey the Word, they may be won by the behavior of their wives without a word, seeing your pure behavior in fear." This verse complements the idea of a believing spouse's influence on an unbelieving partner.
2 Timothy 1:5: "Having been reminded of the sincere faith that is in you; which lived first in your grandmother Lois, and your mother Eunice, and, I am persuaded, in you also." This verse shows the generational impact of faith within a family.
1 Corinthians 7:14 addresses the situation of mixed marriages where a believer is married to an unbeliever. It emphasizes the potential for the sanctification of the unbelieving spouse and children through the influence of the believing partner. This verse offers hope and encouragement to believers in such marriages, emphasizing the importance of maintaining love and unity within the family.
See also: vs 12-13
1 Corinthians 7:14. For the unbelieving husband is sanctified in the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified in the husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but now they are holy.