Why is a believer not under bondage when an unbelieving spouse departs?
A believing spouse is not under bondage because, when an unbelieving spouse departs, Scripture says to let them go; the brother or sister is not bound in such cases. God has called believers to peace, and no one can save a spouse by remaining bound to an idolatrous partner.
Les explains that Paul is addressing the unique Corinthian situation, where converts had come out of idolatry and marriages often involved an unbelieving, idolatrous spouse. If that unbelieving partner has not yet become a believer and chooses to depart, the believer is to let him or her go. The brother or sister is not under bondage in such cases, because God has called us to peace. Les also notes that we cannot save our spouse, and the spouse cannot save us, so the believer is not required to remain bound in order to rescue an unbelieving partner.
But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace.
More Questions
What should a Christian do if their unbelieving spouse wants to leave the marriage?
If an unbelieving spouse who has not become a believer departs, the believing partner is to let him or her go.