In the remaining epistles only two sections of scripture really address issues regarding marriage: Hebrews 13:4 and 1 Peter 3:1-7.
The single verse of Hebrews addresses several issues but the chief among them is that the writer states that marriage is an honorable thing. He also states that the marriage bed is not defiled in any way. Once again the image is to promote the idea that sexual activity in the confines of a marriage is not sinful or dishonorable but pure and undefiled. The verse goes on to say that other forms of sexual activity outside of marriage - God will judge them. There is definitely a upholding of the idea that marriage is a protective thing from the wrath of God but also a promotion of marital sexual activity, as it is not evil if it is in a marriage bed.
Peter's view of marriage is a little different than Paul's. Paul uses marriage as a living breathing example of Christ and his church. Peter is more practical but echos the idea of submission from the the woman. However, he does not invoke and Christ church image but one of Sarah and Abraham. Peter's message to women is six verses long and includes that submission has the following practical qualities: 1) it may lead to the salvation of their husband 2) Internal spiritual modesty is more valuable than vanity and 3) it reflects what holy women of old did.
Peter also addresses husbands to be understanding with the motivation that if they do their prayers will be unhindered.
One thing you can say for this, at this point what marriage is takes a back seat to what marriage should be in practical terms. It is almost as if the other issues are already understood.
Next: The Marriage of the Lamb
Previous: Paul - Divorce, Sex and Polygamy
First Post in Series
No comments:
Post a Comment