1 Corinthians 7:16 Commentary and Bible Study

The deep concern that the Christian will have for their unbelieving spouse comes out here. It is this that is going to be the major factor in the believer wanting to continue with the marriage. He or she yet hopes that his spouse will be converted, a hope which was planted from the moment of conversion. But now something decisive has happened; the unbelieving has departed. Is there not still a hope that they will be converted? Paul in kindness says that it is better to let go of this hope now. There is no specific promise from God that it will be so. Assuming the interpretation given above of verse 15 the thought is, ‘Though this is painful, at this point there is no reason to try to preserve the marriage, and there are no grounds for believing that the unconverted will be brought to faith.’ Paul is comforting the conscience of those who are troubled because they feel they can never rest from trying to save the marriage.