Presbyterian Remarriage Guidelines Based On Matthew 19
Jesus' teachings on divorce and remarriage, particularly in Matthew 19:9, form a foundational text for understanding Presbyterian guidelines on the subject. The passage states, "I tell you that whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and he who marries her when she is divorced commits adultery" [1]. This statement is part of a larger discourse where Jesus addresses questions from the Pharisees about the lawfulness of divorce [6].
The immediate literary context of Matthew 19 involves Jesus' journey through Perea, where Pharisees approach him with a question about divorce [6]. They ask if it is lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any cause, referencing Deuteronomy 24:1-4, which permitted a man to divorce his wife if he found "some indecency in her" [2]. Jesus responds by directing them back to the creation account in Genesis, emphasizing God's original design for marriage as a permanent union between one man and one woman, where "they twain shall be one flesh" [3]. one tradition asserts that what God has joined together, no human should separate [3]. The disciples' reaction to Jesus' strict teaching, "If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry," highlights the perceived difficulty of this standard [4].
The key phrase in Matthew 19:9 is "except for sexual immorality" (Greek: parektos logou porneias). This "exception clause" is crucial for interpretation. The Greek word porneia is broader than just adultery (moicheia), encompassing various forms of sexual sin, including fornication, prostitution, and incest [2]. The Tyndale House commentary notes that Jesus permits only one legitimate reason for a man to divorce: if his wife has been unfaithful [2]. This exception clause is unique to Matthew's Gospel; parallel passages in Mark 10:11-12 and Luke 16:18 do not include it.
Presbyterian tradition, as reflected in commentaries like Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, generally interprets Jesus' teaching as upholding the permanency of marriage while acknowledging a specific ground for divorce. The commentary on Matthew 19:5 emphasizes that Jesus sends his listeners back to the "original constitution of man as one pair" and God's purpose that "one man and one woman should by marriage become one flesh—so to continue as long as both are in the flesh" [3]. This perspective views marriage as a divine institution that man should not break [3].
Regarding remarriage, the interpretation of Matthew 19:9 directly impacts the permissibility of remarriage after divorce. If a divorce occurs on the grounds of "sexual immorality" as defined by Jesus, then remarriage for the innocent party is generally considered permissible within Presbyterian thought. However, if a divorce occurs for reasons other than porneia, then remarriage is seen as adulterous [2]. The phrase "he who marries her when she is divorced commits adultery" further reinforces the gravity of marrying someone who has been unlawfully divorced [1].
Historically, the early church also grappled with these issues. Patristic writers like Tertullian discuss the solemnity of marriage and the roles of church leaders (bishops, presbyters, deacons) in upholding its sanctity [7]. The Apostolic Constitutions (ANF Vol 8) advise presbyters to encourage marriage to prevent "youthful lusts" and fornication, indicating a recognition of human frailty and the role of marriage in ordering society [5].
While the primary focus of Matthew 19:9 is on the man divorcing his wife, the principles apply to both genders, emphasizing the mutual commitment within marriage. The Presbyterian tradition, therefore, typically holds that divorce is permissible only in cases of marital unfaithfulness (sexual immorality) or willful desertion (though the latter is often derived from Pauline texts like 1 Corinthians 7, not directly from Matthew 19). In such cases, the innocent party is free to remarry. However, divorce for other reasons is not recognized as dissolving the marriage bond in God's eyes, making remarriage for either party an act of adultery [2]. This strict interpretation aims to uphold the sanctity and permanence of marriage as instituted by God.
Sources
- Matthew “I tell you that whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and he who marries her when she is divorced commits adultery.” -- Matthew 19:9”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 19:9: 19:9 Jesus permits only one legitimate reason for a man to divorce: if his wife has been unfaithful (see 5:32). In the face of those who thought divorce could be taken lightly, Jesus affirms God’s created order: Marriage was designed to be permanent (see Mark 10:11-12). • commits adultery: This speaks only of the man who divorces his wife unlawfully. In such a case, his remarriage is adulterous. Jesus’ motivation is to reestablish the permanency of marriage.”
- Matthew (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Matthew 19:5: And said, For this cause--to follow out this divine appointment. shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?--Jesus here sends them back to the original constitution of man as one pair, a male and a female; to their marriage, as such, by divine appointment; and to the purpose of God, expressed by the sacred historian, that in all time one man and one woman should by marriage become one flesh--so to continue as long as both are in the flesh. This being God's constitution, let not man break it ”
- Matthew (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Matthew 19:10: His disciples say unto him, If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry--that is, "In this view of marriage, surely it must prove a snare rather than a blessing, and had better be avoided altogether."”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “ANF Vol 8: Twelve Patriarchs, Excerpts, Epistles, Apocrypha, Decretals — CHAP. VII.--DUTIES OF PRESBYTERS.: "And with respect to the presbyters, take these instructions. Above all things, let them join the young betimes in marriage, anticipating the entanglements of youthful lusts. But neither let them neglect the marriage of those who are already old; for lust is vigorous even in some old men. Lest, therefore, fornication find a place among you, and bring upon you a very pestilence, take precaution, and search, lest at any time the fire of adultery be secretly kindled among you. For adultery ”
- Matthew (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Matthew 19:2: And great multitudes followed him; and he healed them there--Mark says further (Mar 10:1), that "as He was wont, He taught them there." What we now have on the subject of divorce is some of that teaching. Divorce (Mat 19:3-12).”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “ANF Vol 4: Tertullian IV, Minucius Felix, Commodian, Origen — CHAP. XI.--FURTHER REMARKS UPON ST. PAUL'S (part 1): TEACHING. Grant, now, that you marry "in the Lord," in accordance with the law and the apostle--if, notwithstanding, you care even about this--with what face do you request (the solemnizing of) a matrimony which is unlawful to those of whom you request it; of a monogamist bishop, of presbyters and deacons bound by the same solemn engagement, of widows whose Order you have in your own person refused? And they, plainly, will give husbands and wives as they would morsels of bread; fo”