Commentary on Matthew 5:32


Now, what seems to be the problem is that when we dive into scripture and teach that it is authoritative and conclusive, we start to have a problem. Because the Bible is so plain on this subject, the opponents of the truth have to come up with ways that seem plausible, but are still dangerously deceptive. To teach other than what the Bible teaches, is to teach a false doctrine.
Sometimes to gain an understanding of a particular verse, we have to look at it in different ways. I would suggest that one ways is looking at it backwards.
Not----.yretluda stimmoc decrovid......etc.
Not----.adultery commits divorced is who...etc.
But by theme, thought, or sentence. Like this.

(NKJV) and, whoever marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery. causes her to commit adultery, except sexual immorality, divorces his wife for any reason, but I say to you.

I know this is awkard and crude, but you can catch my understanding by not only disecting the scriptures into their individual parts and themes, but by observing them in their context. Whether that context is remote or centralized, or current will determine the gist or meaning of that statement.
I would also remind people that God is not the author of confusion (1 Cor 14:33). Any time that we produce a thought or try to gain an understanding of God's word, we must do so within the harmony of the entire word of God (John 17:17). Understanding that all scripture is relevant (2 Tim. 3:16-17). Learning to handle His word correctly (2 Tim. 2:15) means that we do not select wrong thoughts from His word. To reverse this also means that when we come up with a conclusion or frame of thought, that thought must also be in harmony with the rest of God's word.
The problem with these false doctrines, is that they take other passages of scripture which are describing different situations and circumstances and they apply them to this discussion.

Going back to the verse in Matthew 5:32 we are forced to make several observations from the text as a single unit. If we had no other scripture in the entirety of scripture, we would have to conclude that God's word teaches these facts.

1. To marry a divorced person is adultery.
2. To divorce a person without cause will (can) cause them to commit adultery.
3. There is a single exception to the prohibition of divorce.
4. That one exception is fornication, adultery, unchastity, immorality, sexual uncleanness, or unfaithfulness.
[now the most important fact]
5. "But I say unto you". A statement by Jesus Christ who we are taught, has that authority to make such a statement.

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Divorce and Remarriage