Matthew Poole and continuators on 1 Corinthians 7:16
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1 Corinthians7:16
16 For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife? .
The Apostle having before determined the lawfulness of a Christian husbands or wifes abiding in a state of marriage with a wife or husband that was an infidel, if she or he were willing to abide with the Believer, now argues the great advantage which might be from it, for the glory of God, and the good of the Soul of such husband or wife: What knowest thou, O wife (saith he) it is not certain, that God will so far bless thy converse with thy husband or wife, as that thou shalt, by thy instruction, admonition, or example, be an occasion or instrument to bring them to Christ; but it is neither impossible nor improbable, and their willingness (notwithstanding their difference from thee in Religion, yet) to abide with thee, may give thee some hopes that they will hearken to thee. They are often (in the language of holy Writ) said, to save others, who are instrumental to bring them to Christ, Ch. 9.22. 1 Tim. 4.16. Iam. 5.20. We ought to bear with many inconveniences to our selves, where our bearing with them may any way promote the glory of God, or the good of Souls.
Marginal references: 1 Pet. 3.1.
Matthew Poole and continuators, Annotations upon the Holy Bible, 1 Corinthians 7:16. Public domain.
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