This paper examines Paul’s counsel on intermarriage in 1 Corinthians 7:11-16 from a Second Temple halakhic perspective, arguing that Paul views marriage of a non-believer to a believer as a unique form of initiation into the messianic community, alongside immersion in water. Paul adapted Jesus’ teaching on divorce to a new context in which there were cases of intermarriage between believers and non-believers and used that social reality to bind the community together. In this context, Paul upheld Jesus’ overall prohibition of divorce but allowed for separation in cases of intermarriage but also declared that children from mixed marriages were also considered holy and part of the community, likely indicating his desire to keep even these marriages together. This leniency underscores Paul’s pastoral sensitivity to the social complexities of early Christian communities, aiming to foster unity and inclusion. Such an approach aligns with the ad hoc nature of Gentile affiliation seen in Second Temple synagogues.
Jordan Lavender (Sat,) studied this question.