Divorce and Remarriage in the Bible: The Social and Literary Context [Paperback]

David Instone-Brewer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 7, 2002

To many, the New Testament's teaching on divorce and remarriage seems to be both impractical and unfair. The "plain" meaning of the texts allows for divorce only in cases of adultery or desertion, and it does not permit remarriage until the death of one's former spouse. But are these proscriptions the final word for Christians today? Are we correctly reading the scriptures that address these issues?

By looking closely at the biblical texts on divorce and remarriage in light of the first-century Jewish and Greco-Roman world, this book shows that the original audience of the New Testament heard these teachings differently. Through a careful exploration of the background literature of the Old Testament, the ancient Near East, and especially ancient Judaism, David Instone-Brewer constructs a biblical view of divorce and remarriage that is wider in scope than present-day readings.

Among the important findings of the book are that both Jesus and Paul condemned divorce without valid grounds and discouraged divorce even for valid grounds; that both Jesus and Paul affirmed the Old Testament grounds for divorce; that the Old Testament allowed divorce for adultery and for neglect or abuse; and that both Jesus and Paul condemned remarriage after an invalid divorce but not after a valid divorce. Instone-Brewer shows that these principles are not only different from the traditional church interpretation of the New Testament but also directly relevant to modern relationships.

Enhanced with pastoral advice on how to apply the biblical teaching in today's context, this volume will be a valuable resource for anyone seeking serious answers about married life.

Product Details

• Paperback: 367 pages
• Publisher: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. (June 7, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802849431
• ISBN-13: 978-0802849434
• Product Dimensions: 6.3 x 1 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #57,679 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #84 in Books > Parenting & Relationships > Family Relationships > Divorce
  • #92 in Books > History > World > Religious > General
  • #93 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Religious Studies > History

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

75 of 82 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Reads Paul and Jesus according to their ancient context March 1, 2003

By Stephen Rives

Format:Paperback

Perhaps best to see how the author treats the subject is to read his conclusion (which comes after a CAREFUL reading of Paul and Jesus in their original contexts):

"The message of the NT is that divorce is allowed but should be avoided whenever possible. Divorce is allowed only on the grounds of broken marriage vows [including lack of love, food, or proper material care], and the decisions to divorce can be made only by the injured party. A believer should never break the marriage vows, and should try to forgive a repentant partner who has done so. If divorce does happen, remarriage is permitted. All this would be obvious to a 1st-century Jew, but the meaning of the text was obscured at a very early date due to ignorance about Jewish background after 70 C.E. Modern Church practice can be easily adapted to this insight because our marriage services still preserve the four biblical grounds for divorce in the marriage vows.
The Church should now be humble and admit that a great mistake has been made. Too many generations of husbands and wives have been forced to remain with their abusing or neglectful partners and have not been allowed to divorce even after suffering repeated unfaithfulness. The Church should not continue in a false teaching because Church tradition should not be regarded as superior to the teaching of Jesus and Paul" p.314

I should add that the author has a high view of Scripture, he is a scholar reading the text, and not a man trying to justify divorce. Furthermore, this book is recommended reading in conservative seminaries, so one should not look at this as a liberal attempt to undermine marriage. This book is Biblical (though none will agree with all of its interpretations) and accessible.

45 of 48 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent resource; well-written and informative May 6, 2003

By G. Gilbert

Format:Paperback

Divorce and Remarriage in the Bible by Dr. Instone-Brewer is an excellent help in looking at the issue of divorce and remarriage in the Christian church today. Having consulted many resources on this important topic, I have found this book to be the single most helpful and affirming book to bring together all I've learned about the issue.

There will of course be skepticism as with any book on a controversial subject, and people might question the hermeneutical system behind seeking the authorial intent; but in my opinion, this book is dead on in its analysis of the situation, and honestly seeks the truth. If you're unsure about buying the book, feel free to read as much of it as you like for free online before purchasing; the author has made not only this book, but also the other two versions of the book available... read it for yourself.

The author's main conclusions are that any break in the marriage vows is a grounds for divorce; however, Jesus and Paul, while both affirming this, don't recommend divorce, and say to always forgive someone who's broken the marriage vows as long as they're repentant. When a divorce does occur for valid grounds, the innocent party is free to remarry whoever they will (only in the Lord).

31 of 36 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply superb December 5, 2003

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

Incredible book, breaks down the history and context quite well. To understand the meaning of the bibles discussions one must really strive to hear the words of a 1st century reader. Particuarlly on matters of law. In spirit the message is clear, marriage is sacred. But because of sin it often fails.

The problem begins when modern pharasees start making law out of what is supposed to be a positive message. If your going to make law from scripture you better understand the history of what your talking about. The author says there are quite a few reasons for a divorce, though all can be repented of and the marriage can survive any of them. The innocent party is then free to marry, such as the one left for another, deserted, cruelty,etc. He makes allowances also for the 'guilty' party. Repentence is possible. He cautions against remarriage of a person to a person who caused the end of a marriage.

It is very complete although truthfully had he delved into the misunderstanding surrounding 'put away' and legal divorce it would have been a nice section. This simple misunderstanding and misstranslation have shackled many divorced christians. All christians should have the right to a fresh start. Jesus absorbed all of our sins. Some legalistic christians make a mockery of Gods grace, by continuing to cause suffering to our brethren post divorce.

This book shows these texts have been missread for to long, the church's teaching off base, and their is hope for everyone involved in this sin, a new start, a chance to do it correctly.

With this book being required reading in seminary now, there is hope for the future.

Praise God.