1st Century Roman Marriage Law

In Roman law of the 1st century, it was illegal for a man or woman to not be married between the ages of 25-60 (for men) and 20-50 (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 repeats it in Romans 7:3 and 1 Corinthians 7:10-11. 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). God hates divorce (Malachi 2:16), yet he divorced Israel in the Babylonian exile (Jeremiah 3:8)? How do we resolve this?

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