The Pulpit Commentary — 1 Corinthians — Section 245

adultery, as taught by Christ (Matt. v. 32). Paul's teaching does not conflict with Christ's. It is not lawful to 2mt away except for adultery; the apostle ndds that if the believing party be, without just cause, put away, he or she is free. But this mean- ing of ver. 15 is somewhat open to question. Note: 'l'herc may be separation without the- nnnulling of the marriage obligation. The apostle supposes such a case (vor. 11), and cnJorns that no second marringe be entered upon, since the first still remains in force. 4. It is nn exclusive union. It is to avoid fornication (ver. 2). 5. Those who enter upon. it must do so prndently. This is developed in the apostle's argument as to the respective- ndvantages of celibacy and marriage. And: 6. In the Lord (ver. 39) will apply to all cases. Marriages r.re to be continued with the Un!!'.odly, but not to be commenced. Of our choice we are not to be•• unequally yoked." Vv e are not to marry in order to convert. Many do this and, soon discover their mistake. They are like the woman who journeyed to Rome to convert the pope, but instead of converting his holiness, his holiness con- verted her! II. DUTIES. 1. The body of one is to be surrendered to the other. (Ver. 4.) Cohabitation may be suspended for a time by mutual consent, for special purposes, but with distinct recognition of speedy reunion. Care must here be exercised, lest temptation be occasioned. There is no command for this temporary separation; it is permitted, not enjoined or , even recommended. 2. Mutual pleasing. (Vers. 33, 34.) This, referred to as a natural result, may be regarded as an implied injunction. Co1Toborated by Eph. v. 21-25. It is evidently needful. But it has limits; we must not displease God in order to please husband or wifo. 3. The highest spiritual interests of one to be sought by the other. (Ver. 16.) A special case is supposed, which, however, opens up a wide question of home influences. How earnestly should we desire the salvation of those most closely united to us ! How terrible the thought of final separation ! The home presents the best opportunities of winning the ungodly to Christ. Not by words so much as by life. 'l'he influence is very continuous, and is exercised by those nearest and often dearest. Still, much grace is needed for such a ministry as this. Faults, jealously concealed in public, are often undisguised and freed from check in the household. We may do- great harm as well as great good in the home; we may drive from Christ as well as- draw towards him. The converted husband or wife is the pastor of the unconverted. Solemn responsibility! Care for the higher interests involve care for the lower. In all things those united in marriage should seek each other's good. This will involve much-(1) self-restraint, (2) self-denial, (3) unselfishness, (4) patience, (6) true affcction.-H. Vers. 20-24.-(Jhristianity and slaves. Christianity found slavery in existence. Proceeded upon wise lines for its extermination. Not by revolutionary violence. Worked from within rather than from without. Inculcated moral principles which~ when fully realized and practically observed, involved the doom of slavery. Such passage$ as Matt. vii. 12 are in point. Occasionally there is more direct attack, as in the condemnation of men-stealers in 1 Tim. i. 10. What message had Christianity to the slaves? It said- I. SERVE Gon AS YOU ARE. As a slave you may do a good and important work. Your condition has some special opportunities. It will be something for the world to see a pious, conscientious, faithful slave. This you can be, for with all shackles you may be "the Lord's freedman." A lesson for us. We often try to change our con- dition instead of glorifying God in it. All men seem to ~ave fa!l~n into the wrong places ! For all men seem intensely anxious to change their cond1t1on. The powers, opportunities, time, of not a few are practically absorbed in this endcav?ur. And the craze is continuous. When the change is secured, another change is desired, and so on interminably. Men are used up ¼l this insane struggle. It is not necessary to change· our condition before we can do aoythin". The true way to the more favourable con- dition may be our glorifying God in the"'less favourable_. 'l'he st~~ling piety of a slave became a strong protest against slavery itself. In various conditions _the w_orld needs to see tlie same faith and the same life. A man need care comparatively little about his external condition in this world, who is freed from the bondage of Satan and who- tastes the liberty wherewith Christ makes his people free. That is nothing compared with this. No human shackles can bind the soul. 'fhc slave with all his l1onds could: cH. vu. 1-40.] THE FIRST EPISTLE 'l'O 'l'HE CORINTHIANS. 247