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Unequally Yoked
Today's post has the possibility of being somewhat controversial because the first verse is almost always quoted out of context. To command to not be "unequally yoked" with unbelievers is almost always used in the context of marriage, but if you've been reading along with us, you know that nowhere before this passage, in it, or after it is there ANY mention of marriage. Let's get this straight from the beginning: not marrying unbelievers IS a legitimate application of this passage, but let's understand how to get there, because the application of this passage goes far beyond simply partnering in marriage.
First, an important issue: Who are the "unbelievers" in this passage? From NIVAC 2 Corinthians:
"...This section opens up with a command, just as the last section closed with one. As “believers,” the Corinthians are not to be “yoked together,” in the sense of being hitched up with someone whose yoke does not fit (cf. NRSV: “mismatched”), or be “allied” with “unbelievers” (6:14a). But who are these “unbelievers”? Many take them to be non-Christians in general (as in 1 Cor. 5:10; cf. 6:6, 12–20; 7:12–15; 14:22–24). Others see them more specifically to be those Gentile pagans in Corinth with whom the “strong” had earlier participated in idol feasts (as in 1 Cor. 8:1–11:1; see 10:27).
Both of these interpretations can succeed, however, only if 6:14–7:1 is distanced from its current context, in which Paul has been fighting for the legitimacy of his apostolic ministry and in which there has been no previous mention of the earlier problems facing the Corinthians. In 2 Corinthians the issue is not the relationship between Christians and the unbelieving world, nor is Paul concerned here, as he was in 1 Corinthians, with the Corinthians’ participation in the temple cults and idolatry of Corinth. Rather, if read from the perspective of its own immediate context, Paul’s command in 6:14 is the specific application of his more general command in 6:13. “Not to be yoked together with unbelievers” (6:14) is one way in which the Corinthians are to “open wide [their] hearts” to Paul.
Given the situation in which Paul finds himself, “opening up” to him will necessarily entail closing themselves off from those who oppose him, whom the apostle now labels “unbelievers.” This statement is shocking because “unbelievers” is not a word Paul ever uses to describe erring but still genuine Christians (e.g., those dealt with in 1 Cor. 3:10–15). Rather, “unbelievers” refers to those who are manifestly outside the sphere of God’s people, even if they profess otherwise (cf. 1 Cor. 6:6; 7:12–15; 10:27; 14:22–24; 2 Cor. 4:4; 1 Tim. 5:8; Titus 1:15–16).
Thus, to make clear, in no uncertain terms, precisely what is at stake in supporting his opponents, Paul employs much of the same terminology in 6:14–16 and 7:1 that he used earlier to describe the necessity of breaking free from demon-dominated idolatry (cf. 1 Cor. 10:16–21 with 2 Cor. 6:14; 1 Cor. 8:7 with 2 Cor. 7:1). But now it describes the absolute incompatibility between those who believe (and hence support Paul’s ministry) and those who are calling Paul’s apostleship into question. Paul’s point is stark. In the final analysis, the believers in Corinth must recognize his opponents as “unbelievers” and separate from them." [1]
First of all, it's important to note that Paul isn't just being a jerk here. There are definitely instances in which people disagree with Paul but he doesn't call them unbelievers. Whatever is going on with his opponents here is really serious. Second, I post this quote to make sure that we understand the PRIMARY meaning of this passage. I think more than anything this passage is probably about how to deal with divisive people. This has support from other parts of the NT such as Titus 3:10: "As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him." The context of this passage is most likely in this sense: those who are divisive (particularly Paul's opponents in this case) should be avoided at all costs - they are not from God. This is the "focused" meaning of this passage: don't partner up with those that have things other than the kingdom of God in mind or they will drag you down. It's important to understand this first because it opens up a huge area of application that would otherwise be missed: watch out for this in the church. There are many who would claim to be from God but their deeds show otherwise. Have nothing to do with them.
That being said and understood FIRST, there is a broader sense of application: the way we usually think of unbelievers. This passage says to look out for them in the church, but Paul's statements are broad and therefore have a broader meaning and application.
From LABC 2 Corinthians:
"After passionately appealing to the Corinthians to open their hearts to him, Paul exhorted them to not be yoked together with unbelievers. He urged them not to form binding relationships with nonbelievers because this might weaken their Christian commitment, integrity, or standards...
Earlier, Paul had explained that not associating with unbelievers did not mean isolation from nonbelievers (see 1 Corinthians 5:9–10). The Corinthians were even to remain with their unbelieving spouses (1 Corinthians 7:12–13). In order to witness to their neighbors, believers were to adopt some of the customs of the people to whom they were witnessing: “I try to find common ground with everyone so that I might bring them to Christ” (1 Corinthians 9:22 NLT).
So what did it mean to avoid being “yoked together with unbelievers”? The Greek for “yoked together” was used in the first century for the act of harnessing animals together. It was against God’s law to yoke together animals with different degrees of strength, such as an ox and a mule, because the plow would be pulled unevenly or the weight being carried would be spilled (see Deuteronomy 22:10). In the same way, a believer and an unbeliever are categorically different. Partnering with unbelievers would lead to disaster.
In 1 Corinthians, Paul had forbidden the Corinthians from submitting their disputes to a secular judge (6:1–6). He had admonished them to refrain from sexual immorality, especially the prostitution of the Greek temples (see 6:12–20). He had even expressed astonishment that they hadn’t expelled a member of the church who had persisted in having an affair with his stepmother (5:1–13). Moreover, he had told them to refrain from participating in feasts that honored local gods (see 10:6–22). Any of these specific issues, especially the feasts to local gods, could be considered as being yoked together with unbelievers. Apparently the Corinthian church was having a difficult time separating themselves from the immoral practices of their unbelieving neighbors.
Paul was telling the Corinthians to avoid any situation that would compromise their faith or their Christian morals. While this verse applies to all partnerships and alliances, marriage certainly comes under this teaching." [2] (emphasis mine)
And some further application on the marriage issue specifically:
"Paul said, “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers.” This certainly applies to marriage. While Paul didn’t want the new believers to divorce their unbelieving spouses (see 1 Corinthians 7:12–13), he certainly did not encourage single believers to enter into marriage with unbelievers. Such marriages cannot have unity in the most important issue in life—commitment and obedience to God. Because marriage involves two people becoming one, faith may become an issue, and one spouse may have to compromise beliefs for the sake of unity. Many people discount this problem only to regret it later. Don’t allow emotion or passion to blind you to the ultimate importance of marrying someone with whom you can be united spiritually." [3] (emphasis mine)
So - that's it. This passage is nearly always used in the context of not marrying an unbeliever. That is definitely right and true, has much wisdom to it, and is a valid application of this passage. But we must also understand the first and primary application of it within the church and also within the broader scope of our lives. If your first and greatest commitment is to the glory of God, how will that affect your partnerships in friendship, business, and marriage?
Questions? Comments?
Unequally Yoked
Today's post has the possibility of being somewhat controversial because the first verse is almost always quoted out of context. To command to not be "unequally yoked" with unbelievers is almost always used in the context of marriage, but if you've been reading along with us, you know that nowhere before this passage, in it, or after it is there ANY mention of marriage. Let's get this straight from the beginning: not marrying unbelievers IS a legitimate application of this passage, but let's understand how to get there, because the application of this passage goes far beyond simply partnering in marriage.
First, an important issue: Who are the "unbelievers" in this passage? From NIVAC 2 Corinthians:
"...This section opens up with a command, just as the last section closed with one. As “believers,” the Corinthians are not to be “yoked together,” in the sense of being hitched up with someone whose yoke does not fit (cf. NRSV: “mismatched”), or be “allied” with “unbelievers” (6:14a). But who are these “unbelievers”? Many take them to be non-Christians in general (as in 1 Cor. 5:10; cf. 6:6, 12–20; 7:12–15; 14:22–24). Others see them more specifically to be those Gentile pagans in Corinth with whom the “strong” had earlier participated in idol feasts (as in 1 Cor. 8:1–11:1; see 10:27).
Both of these interpretations can succeed, however, only if 6:14–7:1 is distanced from its current context, in which Paul has been fighting for the legitimacy of his apostolic ministry and in which there has been no previous mention of the earlier problems facing the Corinthians. In 2 Corinthians the issue is not the relationship between Christians and the unbelieving world, nor is Paul concerned here, as he was in 1 Corinthians, with the Corinthians’ participation in the temple cults and idolatry of Corinth. Rather, if read from the perspective of its own immediate context, Paul’s command in 6:14 is the specific application of his more general command in 6:13. “Not to be yoked together with unbelievers” (6:14) is one way in which the Corinthians are to “open wide [their] hearts” to Paul.
Given the situation in which Paul finds himself, “opening up” to him will necessarily entail closing themselves off from those who oppose him, whom the apostle now labels “unbelievers.” This statement is shocking because “unbelievers” is not a word Paul ever uses to describe erring but still genuine Christians (e.g., those dealt with in 1 Cor. 3:10–15). Rather, “unbelievers” refers to those who are manifestly outside the sphere of God’s people, even if they profess otherwise (cf. 1 Cor. 6:6; 7:12–15; 10:27; 14:22–24; 2 Cor. 4:4; 1 Tim. 5:8; Titus 1:15–16).
Thus, to make clear, in no uncertain terms, precisely what is at stake in supporting his opponents, Paul employs much of the same terminology in 6:14–16 and 7:1 that he used earlier to describe the necessity of breaking free from demon-dominated idolatry (cf. 1 Cor. 10:16–21 with 2 Cor. 6:14; 1 Cor. 8:7 with 2 Cor. 7:1). But now it describes the absolute incompatibility between those who believe (and hence support Paul’s ministry) and those who are calling Paul’s apostleship into question. Paul’s point is stark. In the final analysis, the believers in Corinth must recognize his opponents as “unbelievers” and separate from them." [1]
First of all, it's important to note that Paul isn't just being a jerk here. There are definitely instances in which people disagree with Paul but he doesn't call them unbelievers. Whatever is going on with his opponents here is really serious. Second, I post this quote to make sure that we understand the PRIMARY meaning of this passage. I think more than anything this passage is probably about how to deal with divisive people. This has support from other parts of the NT such as Titus 3:10: "As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him." The context of this passage is most likely in this sense: those who are divisive (particularly Paul's opponents in this case) should be avoided at all costs - they are not from God. This is the "focused" meaning of this passage: don't partner up with those that have things other than the kingdom of God in mind or they will drag you down. It's important to understand this first because it opens up a huge area of application that would otherwise be missed: watch out for this in the church. There are many who would claim to be from God but their deeds show otherwise. Have nothing to do with them.
That being said and understood FIRST, there is a broader sense of application: the way we usually think of unbelievers. This passage says to look out for them in the church, but Paul's statements are broad and therefore have a broader meaning and application.
From LABC 2 Corinthians:
"After passionately appealing to the Corinthians to open their hearts to him, Paul exhorted them to not be yoked together with unbelievers. He urged them not to form binding relationships with nonbelievers because this might weaken their Christian commitment, integrity, or standards...
Earlier, Paul had explained that not associating with unbelievers did not mean isolation from nonbelievers (see 1 Corinthians 5:9–10). The Corinthians were even to remain with their unbelieving spouses (1 Corinthians 7:12–13). In order to witness to their neighbors, believers were to adopt some of the customs of the people to whom they were witnessing: “I try to find common ground with everyone so that I might bring them to Christ” (1 Corinthians 9:22 NLT).
So what did it mean to avoid being “yoked together with unbelievers”? The Greek for “yoked together” was used in the first century for the act of harnessing animals together. It was against God’s law to yoke together animals with different degrees of strength, such as an ox and a mule, because the plow would be pulled unevenly or the weight being carried would be spilled (see Deuteronomy 22:10). In the same way, a believer and an unbeliever are categorically different. Partnering with unbelievers would lead to disaster.
In 1 Corinthians, Paul had forbidden the Corinthians from submitting their disputes to a secular judge (6:1–6). He had admonished them to refrain from sexual immorality, especially the prostitution of the Greek temples (see 6:12–20). He had even expressed astonishment that they hadn’t expelled a member of the church who had persisted in having an affair with his stepmother (5:1–13). Moreover, he had told them to refrain from participating in feasts that honored local gods (see 10:6–22). Any of these specific issues, especially the feasts to local gods, could be considered as being yoked together with unbelievers. Apparently the Corinthian church was having a difficult time separating themselves from the immoral practices of their unbelieving neighbors.
Paul was telling the Corinthians to avoid any situation that would compromise their faith or their Christian morals. While this verse applies to all partnerships and alliances, marriage certainly comes under this teaching." [2] (emphasis mine)
And some further application on the marriage issue specifically:
"Paul said, “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers.” This certainly applies to marriage. While Paul didn’t want the new believers to divorce their unbelieving spouses (see 1 Corinthians 7:12–13), he certainly did not encourage single believers to enter into marriage with unbelievers. Such marriages cannot have unity in the most important issue in life—commitment and obedience to God. Because marriage involves two people becoming one, faith may become an issue, and one spouse may have to compromise beliefs for the sake of unity. Many people discount this problem only to regret it later. Don’t allow emotion or passion to blind you to the ultimate importance of marrying someone with whom you can be united spiritually." [3] (emphasis mine)
So - that's it. This passage is nearly always used in the context of not marrying an unbeliever. That is definitely right and true, has much wisdom to it, and is a valid application of this passage. But we must also understand the first and primary application of it within the church and also within the broader scope of our lives. If your first and greatest commitment is to the glory of God, how will that affect your partnerships in friendship, business, and marriage?
Questions? Comments?
[1] Scott J. Hafemann, 2 Corinthians, The NIV Application Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 2000), 279-80.
[2] Bruce B. Barton and Grant R. Osborne, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Life Application Bible Commentary (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House, 1999), 369-71.
[3] Ibid, 371.
[2] Bruce B. Barton and Grant R. Osborne, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Life Application Bible Commentary (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House, 1999), 369-71.
[3] Ibid, 371.
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