12 But to the rest I say , not the Lord , that if any brother has a wife who is an unbeliever , and she consents to live with him, he must not divorce her. 13 And a woman who has an unbelieving husband , and he consents to live with her, she must not send her husband away . 14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified through his wife , and the unbelieving wife is sanctified through her believing husband ; for otherwise your children are unclean , but now they are holy . 15 Yet if the unbelieving one leaves , let him leave ; the brother or the sister is not under bondage in such cases, but God has called us to peace .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 7:12-15
Commentary on 1 Corinthians 7:10-16
(Read 1 Corinthians 7:10-16)
Man and wife must not separate for any other cause than what Christ allows. Divorce, at that time, was very common among both Jews and Gentiles, on very slight pretexts. Marriage is a Divine institution; and is an engagement for life, by God's appointment. We are bound, as much as in us lies, to live peaceably with all men, Romans 12:18, therefore to promote the peace and comfort of our nearest relatives, though unbelievers. It should be the labour and study of those who are married, to make each other as easy and happy as possible. Should a Christian desert a husband or wife, when there is opportunity to give the greatest proof of love? Stay, and labour heartily for the conversion of thy relative. In every state and relation the Lord has called us to peace; and every thing should be done to promote harmony, as far as truth and holiness will permit.