Question on Adultery Resources

Are there any resources that define “adultery” as ”breaking the covenant”?

In my research on “remarriage of the so called guilty party” I’m including the view of adultery as “breaking the covenant” (among other views) and once that covenant is broken and finalized by a legal divorce even the guilty party can remarry. I have Rubel Shelly’s book that spouses that view, but there’s one crucial question he didn’t answer in his book as good as it is.

So maybe other resources that spouse that view can answer that question.

Thanks in advance for any recommendations!

DAL

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Comments

DMB

I guess I'm wondering whether your question refers to general doctrinal discussions, or the Bible?

If the latter, I'd think you'd need to backtrack into the concept of ownership. Any covenant would describe a husband to the father/family.

DAL

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1249622#Comment_1249622

I guess I'm wondering whether your question refers to general doctrinal discussions, or the Bible?

If the latter, I'd think you'd need to backtrack into the concept of ownership. Any covenant would describe a husband to the father/family.

My question is: If adultery equals to breaking the covenant and once a legal divorce is finalized the marriage is dissolved, then why did Jesus say “…and whoever marries the divorced person commits adultery?” (Matthew 19:9) Why does whoever marries the divorced person commits adultery if he’s never had a covenant with the divorced and the divorced is no longer married (i.e. in covenant)?

DAL

Graham Criddle

Are there any resources that define “adultery” as ”breaking the covenant”?

The search string adultery NEAR "breaking the covenant" produced some interesting results that might get near to what you are looking for.

DAL

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1249626#Comment_1249626

Are there any resources that define “adultery” as ”breaking the covenant”?

The search string adultery NEAR "breaking the covenant" produced some interesting results that might get near to what you are looking for.

Thanks! I’ll check what results my library produces 👍

Jan Krohn

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1249623#Comment_1249623

My question is: If adultery equals to breaking the covenant and once a legal divorce is finalized the marriage is dissolved, then why did Jesus say “…and whoever marries the divorced person commits adultery?” (Matthew 19:9) Why does whoever marries the divorced person commits adultery if he’s never had a covenant with the divorced and the divorced is no longer married (i.e. in covenant)?

Because Jesus is talking about those cases of divorce here that happened without proper justification (i.e. adultery, however it is to be defined). The first part of the verse is the context in which it is interpreted.

Thomas Pape

other search in my opinion would be "adultery" NEAR "death"

DAL

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1249641#Comment_1249641

My question is: If adultery equals to breaking the covenant and once a legal divorce is finalized the marriage is dissolved, then why did Jesus say “…and whoever marries the divorced person commits adultery?” (Matthew 19:9) Why does whoever marries the divorced person commits adultery if he’s never had a covenant with the divorced and the divorced is no longer married (i.e. in covenant)?

Because Jesus is talking about those cases of divorce here that happened without proper justification (i.e. adultery, however it is to be defined). The first part of the verse is the context in which it is interpreted.

In my other views you are correct, but I’m curious how those who define adultery as breaking the covenant interpret that latter part of Matthew 19:9. I’ve seen how they interpret Romans 7:1-4, and they don’t think it’s relevant to divorce and remarriage because of they way they interpret it.

Thanks!

Mattillo

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1249689#Comment_1249689

3.1.2.

You remarry after you wrongfully divorce your spouse The Lord’s most detailed teaching on divorce is recorded in Matthew 19:1–12 and Mark 10:1–12. For our purposes, the most important statement from each passage is: ‘And I say to you: whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery’ (Matt. 19:9). ‘And he said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her, and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery” ’ (Mark 10:11–12).

Powers (1987) argues that Jesus is speaking about a man who divorces his wife in order to marry another; the legitimisation of adultery through legal divorce does not deceive the Almighty. This is certainly a plausible interpretation of the grammar, and even more so if the words originate in Hebrew or Aramaic. However, even if we take this more generally as a case of a man who wrongfully divorces his wife and later marries another woman, the implications remain the same. First, the act of divorce is a violation of the covenant made before the Lord, and is a sin against God, wife, and children (see the discussion of Malachi 2:13–16, p. 68). Second, the new marriage begins with an act of adultery, but the new marriage is not a permanently adulterous union. Third, the wrongful divorce is always a transgression of the law of God, but the repentant transgressor is assured a pardon through the grace of God.

In conclusion, the Lord Jesus Christ taught that divorce is a serious sin, requiring heartfelt repentance. A second marriage following a divorce begins with an act of adultery, in that it betrays the former marriage covenant. However, the new marriage is a real marriage rather than an adulterous union. Nothing in the Saviour’s words seems to require the lifelong exclusion of a divorced person from holding a leadership office. Once forgiven, the person who has failed is restored to right standing before the Lord with the full rights and privileges that attach to being a child of God. The Saviour’s teachings do, however, require the church to recognise divorce as a serious sin and not to treat it frivolously.

Kevin G Smith, “Adultery, Divorce, and Eldership,” Conspectus 16 (2014): 60–62.

(adultery AND covenant) NEAR bible:"Matthew 19:9"

DAL

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1249721#Comment_1249721

Thanks, Matillo!

My question remains why is the one marrying the divorced woman committing adultery if he hasn’t broken any covenant? He could be single for all we know.

DAL

Beloved Amodeo

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1249724#Comment_1249724

Thanks, Matillo!

My question remains why is the one marrying the divorced woman committing adultery if he hasn’t broken any covenant? He could be single for all we know.

DAL

I don't know if these will answer your questions, but they are solid reads.

https://www.logos.com/product/45813/divorce-and-remarriage-in-the-bible-the-social-and-literary-context

https://www.logos.com/product/194545/what-the-bible-says-about-divorce-and-remarriage

DAL

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1249735#Comment_1249735

Thanks Beloved Amodeo!

I’ve read those, but I think I’ve found my answer. You know what they say, “The Bible is it’s best own interpreter!”

DAL

Beloved Amodeo

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1249759#Comment_1249759

“The Bible is it’s best own interpreter!”

To this I bow and utter a humble, Amen.

In further research I came across this reference in Dictionary of Paul and His Letters, pp. 594-600.

3343.Dictionary of Paul and His Letters.pdf