Ángel
Manuel Rodríguez
Some Adventists quote 2
Corinthians 6:14 to discourage someone marrying a person not of our faith.
Does the noun “unbelievers” designate non-Christians, non-Adventists,
or both?
In the interpretation
of a passage, its context and the terminology used are extremely important.
Second Corinthians is a pastoral letter whose purpose is to reaffirm Paul’s
apostolic ministry to the Corinthians. In 2 Corinthians
6:14–7:1 Paul speaks more directly
to the believers, asking them not to be mismated
with unbelievers and to remain holy to the Lord.
Through a number of questions he contrasts two different lords and two
different lifestyles that are mutually exclusive. Paul is clearly discouraging
Christians from entering into partnership with unbelievers.
1. Unbelievers: In the New Testament the Greek term apistos
(unbeliever) most frequently designates a non-Christian. But occasionally
it can also refer to false Christian teachers. In 2 Corinthians 4:4 it
appears to designate false believers who tried to undermine Paul’s
work. In Titus 1:15 the word is used to describe believers who teach falsehood
in the church (verses 10, 14). The
question we face is whether Paul is using apistos
in 2 Corinthians 6:14 to refer to non-Christians or to his Christian
opponents or to both.
The reference to idolatry in 6:15, 16 would suggest that he is referring to non-Christians.
However, according to 1 Corinthians 5:11 there were Christians at Corinth who were idolaters. Paul tells the faithful believers
not to associate with such individuals (verse 9) or even eat with them
(verse 11). In 2 Corinthians 6:14–7:1 Paul could very well be reminding
the Corinthians to do exactly what he had already told them to do. Besides,
in 2 Corinthians Paul is not dealing with heathen but with the opposition
to his ministry and message from within the church itself. In that case
the “unbelievers” could be Christians who have been opposing
Paul’s understanding of the gospel.
2. Mixed Marriages. The term heterozygo
(to be unequally yoked, mismated)
is used in the New Testament only here (2 Cor.
6:14). Its literal translation would be “pulling the
yoke in a different direction than one’s fellow,” making it
impossible or difficult for two to work together. The traditional and
most common interpretation of the term refers to mixed marriages. In the
Greek translation (Septuagent) of Leviticus
19:19 the same verb
is used to prohibit the mismating of different
animals. Other terms based on the same verbal root are used to refer to
marriage (e.g., Matt. 19:6; Mark 10:9). The usage of the term cannot be
restricted to mixed marriages alone, however. It’s better to understand
the verb as designating any type of connection with unbelievers—including
marriage—that may lead to compromise.
3. Contextual Considerations: In 2 Corinthians Paul dealt with his apostolic ministry.
The situation between him and the Corinthians had improved since his last
visit to the church (7:5-7), but there was room for more progress. The
influence of false apostles and teachers had contributed to the tension
between the Corinthian believers and Paul making it difficult for the
Corinthians to open their hearts to the apostle. The Corinthians had paid
attention to them in the past (11:1-6), making it necessary for Paul to tell them
not to enter into any type of partnership with those who oppose him. Those
individuals were not servants of righteousness (verse 15), but practitioners
of lawlessness (cf. 12:21).
This passage is useful for those contemplating marriage.
Let me offer two words of advice: Preserving a marriage relationship is
difficult even when both parties share the same faith. It is therefore
important to listen to the biblical counsel. For church members, if someone
marries a person outside our faith, extend to them the hand of love, understanding,
and acceptance. Be an instrument in revealing the grace and compassion
of our Savior and Lord. Such attitudes—rather than rejection—will
facilitate the work of the Spirit in bringing the unbeliever to a personal
commitment to Christ, and will contribute to retaining the believing spouse
in the church.
8/8/02
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