Let’s examine the historical and cultural context of marriage in Rome during the first century to gain a better understanding of the New Testament. In Roman law of the 1st century, it was illegal for a man or woman not to be married between the ages of 25 and 60 (for men) and 20 and 50 (for women). So, for the Romans, celibacy was a crime, and there were restrictions on those who were celibate; this is one of the many issues that put Christians at odds with the Roman Empire. Especially Paul, because he was celibate and encouraged (but did not require) celibacy in 1 Corinthians 7.
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Divorce in the New Testament
It is commonly taught that remarriage after divorce is adultery (unless your ex dies) because of what Jesus says in Matt 5:32, Matt 19:9, Mark 10:11, and Luke 16:18. In addition, Paul says something like this in 1 Corinthians 7:10-11 and seemingly in Romans 7:3. Others may say Jesus contradicts the Torah when he denounces divorce because the Torah allows it (Deut 24:1-4, and Ex 21:10-12). Lastly, according to Malachi 2:16, God hates divorce, yet he “divorced” Israel in the Babylonian exile (Jeremiah 3:8). How do we resolve this?
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