Verse 39
The remaining two verses conclude both major sections of the discussion by repeating that women should not separate from their husbands (cf. 1 Corinthians 7:1-24). This concluding reminder is especially important for virgins considering the possibility of marrying. Again Paul referred to marriage as a binding relationship (cf. 1 Corinthians 7:15; 1 Corinthians 7:27). The wife is bound (Gr. deo) to her husband as long as he lives. Does this mean that even if he leaves her the marriage tie is unbroken? That is what many interpreters have concluded. If that is the case, remarriage after a divorce or separation would constitute adultery (cf. Matthew 19:9; Mark 10:11-12). In that case, one should avoid remarriage before the death of the spouse.
Another possibility is that Paul conceded, but did not restate, the fact that desertion by an unbelieving spouse freed the Christian and he or she was no longer under bondage to the mate (1 Corinthians 7:15). This applied only to mixed marriages, however.
Paul regarded death as the only thing that always breaks the marriage bond. This may imply that present marital relationships will not continue in heaven just as they are now (cf. Luke 20:34-36). Jesus taught that fornication may lead to adultery if the marriage partners do not reunite (Matthew 19:9). God may permit separation or divorce in certain circumstances (cf. Matthew 19:9; 1 Corinthians 7:15), but remarriage usually results in adultery, unless the former spouse of the divorced person has died.
When a Christian woman’s husband dies, she is at liberty to marry whomever she chooses provided he is a believer (cf. 2 Corinthians 6:14). The same rule would apply to a Christian man whose wife dies.
"Long, long ago Plutarch, the wise old Greek, laid it down, that ’marriage cannot be happy unless husband and wife are of the same religion.’" [Note: Barclay, The Letters . . ., p. 79.]
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