FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR'S INTENT AT THE PARAGRAPH LEVEL
This is a study guide commentary which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects. Compare your subject divisions with the five translations above. Paragraphing is not inspired, but it is the key to following the original author's intent, which is the heart of interpretation. Every paragraph has one and only one subject.
1. First paragraph
2. Second paragraph
3. Third paragraph
4. Etc.
CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS
A. The Pharisees were not really interested in the question of divorce but they were trying to reduce Jesus' popularity by splitting His following over a disputed issue (cf. Mar_10:2-12). Jesus' answer must be interpreted in this confrontational context. This is not a neutral teaching passage.
B. Mat_5:31-32; Mar_10:1-12; Luk_16:18 and 1Co_7:12-14 must also be taken into consideration when discussing the issue of divorce. This passage concerns the legal grounds for divorce and remarriage in Moses'writings.
C. When interpreting a hot social issue such as this, be careful of:
1. being influenced too heavily by your own culture and age
2. being influenced by your own existential situation and experiences
3. being influenced by your presuppositions (denominationalism)
4. making hard and dogmatic rules for every situation
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
This is a study guide commentary which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought provoking, not definitive.
1. Is divorce always a sin?
2. What biblical principle did Jesus advocate in response to the Pharisees'question?
3. Why did Moses allow remarriage if God was against it? What about today?
4. Is celibacy spiritually superior to marriage?
5. Define the Bible's teachings about children and salvation.
6. Do Mat_19:13-15 deal with salvation?
7. Why does Jesus not claim "goodness" in Mat_19:17? Does this affect the doctrine of Jesus' deity or sinlessness?
8. Did this man really keep all of the commandments? Was he sinless? (Mat_19:20)
9. Are riches evil?
10. Why were the disciples dumbfounded concerning the rejection of a wealthy man? (Mat_19:25)