Download DALLAS BAPTIST UNIVERSITY AN EXAMINATION OF MATTHEW

DALLAS BAPTIST UNIVERSITY
AN EXAMINATION OF MATTHEW 19:1-12
EXEGETICAL PAPER SUBMITTED TO
DR. JOHN JAEGER
IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE COURSE
THEO 6333 01
NEW TESTAMENT READINGS: SYNOPTIC GOSPELS
BY
LADARRIN DAWN
DALLAS, TEXAS
7 May 2013
1
INTRODUCTION
One of the most important teachings in life is in the Gospel of Matthew. Jesus requires
believers and non-believers to follow his model for marriage and divorce. Many in society falter
with marriage and after they are married divorce tends to creep in their minds. In general, society
sometimes looks for any reason to divorce their spouse, but oftentimes divorce is granted due to
infidelity. However, the number one reason people tend to divorce in the world is finances. In
Matthew 19:1-12, divorce is unlawful and is not allowed for finances or any other reason besides
sexual immorality. As we will learn in this exegetical analysis, the Pharisees test Jesus and he
returns from Galilee which was debated in first century Judaism.1
TRANSLATION OF TEXT MATTHEW 19:1-12
1When
Jesus had finished saying these things, he left Galilee and went into the region of
Judea to the other side of the Jordan. 2 Large crowds followed him, and he healed them there.
3Some
Pharisees came to him to test him. The asked, “Is it lawful for am to divorce his wife for
any and every reason?” 4 haven’t your read, “he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator made
them male and female, 5 and said, “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be
united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. 6 Therefore what God has joined together
let non one separate.” 7 Why then, “they asked, “Did Moses command that a man give his wife a
certificate of divorce and send her away?” 8Jesus replied, “Moses permitted you to divorce your
wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning. 9 I tell you that
anyone who divorces his wife except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman
1
Eerdmans Commentary on the Bible. James D. G. Dunn editor of the New Testament and John W. Rogerson
editor of the Old Testament and Apocrypha. 2003 Wm. B Eerdmans Publishing Co. Grand Rapids. MI., 1042.
2
commits adultery.” 10 The disciples said to him, “If this is the situation between a husband and
wife, it is better not to marry.” 11 Jesus replied, “Not everyone can accept this word, but only
those to whom it has been given. 12For there are eunuchs who were born that way, and there are
eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by others and there are those who choose to live like
eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it”
(New International Version).
HISTORICAL AND CONTEXTUAL ANALYSIS
Matthew is the author of the book of the Gospel of Matthew and was written around the
last two decades of the first century about 80-90 AD.2 Matthew, like the other Gospels, of Mark,
Luke, and John are called the Synoptic Gospels. Moreover, Matthew is identified as a tax
collector (Mt. 10:3), but is suggested by many as Levi.3 The book of Matthew drew upon a
number of oral and written sources besides the Gospel of Mark such as the Q. The Q was a used
as a collection of sayings of Jesus passed down from generation to generation of people who
heard about the teachings of Christ. No one definitely knows where Matthew wrote his Gospel.
Some scholars speculate Antioch while others say Matthew wrote the gospel in Jordan.4 The
Gospel of Matthew was called superscriptions and the word Matthew means Maththaios or the
Greek word for disciple, mathetes.5 The setting of Matthew 19:1-12 leans toward the Pharisees
asserting themselves while trying to unite Israel; however, Matthew’s community was mainly
Jewish. The Jews were being challenged about their faith constantly, but Matthew simply wanted
his community to believe in Christ. Matthew tried to bridge the gap between Jews and Gentiles
2
Eerdmans, 1000.
Eerdmans, 1000.
4
The Expositor’s Bible Commentary with the New International Version Matthew, Mark, Luke Volume 8. S. A
Carson 1984 by Zondervan. Grand Rapids, MI. 21.
5
Eerdmans, 1000.
3
3
and preserve both the old and new heritages (Mt. 8:17; 13:52).6 There is not any occasion for
Matthew writing this gospel, but he shows a nascent community during Jesus’ ministry and the
updated commission in how the church was developed. This gospel is a book of history heavily
lied upon the gospel of Mark, oral traditions, Q, and the Old Testament. The Sermon on the
Mount and the Great Commission weigh heavily in the book of Matthew and are often read as
the major themes of the gospel itself. The social customs of the time was that many did not
believe or lacked faith in Christianity and held on to Jewish customs and laws. Matthew wanted
to bring unity back to his community and did not want those in his community to question the
beliefs and teachings of Christ.
Matthew frames his text with repetitive formulas which leads to his themes and ultimately
to his miracle stories. Framing provides chiasm which involves the use of parallelism. There is
no certain literary genre in which Matthew wrote his gospel, but it belongs to many periscopes
that must be weighed differently and simply written as the “Gospel and the good news” of Jesus
the Messiah.7
LITERARY CONTECTUAL ANALYSIS
This passage stands alone in the book of Matthew itself. Christ is teaching throughout the
book of Matthew and was healing people along the way, but Judea was one of many stops along
the way before Jesus stopped his public ministry. Christ is providing us with all the answers for
living in the New Testament. He is touching on every aspect in living a godly life and knows the
end is drawing nye for his time on earth. Matthew gives us an overview of Jesus’ life for his
birth, middle years, death, and resurrection. In regards to how the text fits in terms of the
6
The Oxford Bible Commentary edited by John Barton and John Muddiman. Oxford University Press 2001. Oxford
New York. 845
7
The Expositor’s, 38-39.
4
particular themes of passages before and after Christ is teaching us to love one another and
forgiving each other no matter what the circumstance because our father in heaven forgives us.
Following the passage of divorce Jesus begins to pray and heal the little children because the
little children should suffer not. After the children, Matthew draws upon the parable about the
dangers of riches for those who are full of greed will not inherit the kingdom.
Moreover, Matthew 19:1-12 says marriage is invoked by God and should not be separated,
but is seen as a picture between Christ and the church (Eph. 5:31-32). The Pharisees simple came
to test Jesus, but Jesus never falls into the trap. Jesus asked the Pharisees, “Haven’t you read
(Gen. 2:24) that when God created the heaven and earth male and female this was the law set
forth. Jesus was advising that two people become one flesh (I Cor. 7:10-11). The Pharisees
continued to attempt to contradict Jesus with the Law of Moses, but Jesus replies by saying their
hearts were hard, but any person who separates for the wrong reason commits their souls to hell
and breaks God’s covenant. Any man who divorces his wife unless it is because of infidelity and
marries again is an adulterer and sins against God.8
Parents arranged marriages in Galilee during these times, but God responds to the
disciples by indicating it would be better not to marry because of their calling and devotion to
God. It is very difficult to be married and devote yourself to Christ and neglect your spouse and
then the covenant of marriage would be broken and finding a wife similar would be very difficult
in the eyes of God.9 Jews did not allow eunuchs, but eunuchs were a part of the covenant (Deut
23:1, Is. 56:4-5).
8
9
www.biblegateway.com/resourcecommentaries/IVp-NT/MATT/Grounds-Divorce-GodsLaw.
www.biblegateway
5
EXEGETICAL ANALYSIS
When Jesus had finished saying these things- Greek Translation: (Καὶ ἐγένετο ὅτε
ἐτέλεσεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς τοὺς λόγους τούτους, μετῆρεν ἀπὸ τῆς Γαλιλαίας καὶ ἦλθεν εἰς τὰ ὅρια
τῆς Ἰουδαίας πέραν τοῦ Ἰορδάνου). This scripture occurs two other times in the New Testament
(Matt7:28 and 26:1) which is direct connection to Bethany and is where Jesus went, but was
beyond Jordan; in the confines of Judea. The crowds had gathered around Jesus while he was
teaching, but he knew it was time for his departure to go to Jerusalem (Mark 10:1 and Luke
9:51).10 Christ’s final departure was from Galilee, but represented the Lord’s work or public
ministry was complete or coming to an end.
Large crowds followed him, and he healed them there- Greek Translation: (Καὶ ἐγένετο
ὅτε ἐτέλεσεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς τοὺς λόγους τούτους, μετῆρεν ἀπὸ τῆς Γαλιλαίας καὶ ἦλθεν εἰς τὰ ὅρια
τῆς Ἰουδαίας πέραν τοῦ Ἰορδάνου). The Greek word Καὶ means to follow. The large crowds
gathered around Jesus because they wanted to be taught and healed. Everything John had
previously said about Jesus was true (John 10:41-42) which brings up the subject of divorce
during Jesus’ teaching. According to biblegateway.com this scripture or sentence only occurs
once in the New Testament (Matthew 19:2). However; the word healed occurs 73 times in the
New and Old Testaments and means restored to its original capacity.11
10
11
www.studylight.org/com/hac/view.cgi?bk=mtt-ch=19
www.studylight.org
6
Is it lawful for man to divorce his wife for any and every reason? - Greek Translation:
(Καὶ προσῆλθον αὐτῷ Φαρισαῖοι πειράζοντες αὐτὸν καὶ λέγοντες, Εἰ ἔξεστιν ἀνθρώπῳ ἀπολῦσαι
τὴν γυναῖκα αὐτοῦ κατὰ πᾶσαν αἰτίαν). The word divorce is located 33 times in the OT and NT,
but seen more frequently in the Synoptic Gospels, a total of 13 times.12 This was a question of
dispute between the rival Rabbinical schools of Hillel and Shammai; the former asserting the
right of arbitrary divorce, from (Deuteronomy 24:1), the other denying it except in case of
adultery. It was also, says De Wette, a delicate question in the place where our Lord now was,—
in the dominions of Herod Antipas.13 This school of Shammai states a woman who is married
and her husband finds that she is indecent he has the right to grant her a divorce decree. The
school of Hillel says a man could divorce his wife for any reason even if she cooked incorrectly.
So, the Pharisees were trying to test Jesus and challenge him with the Law of Moses.
Haven’t you read? – Greek Translation: (Δεν έχετε διαβάσει ;) - Jesus was referencing
(Gen 2:24) when the Creator made male and female. This reference should be considered
prophecy, divino afflatu, and not left up to human interpretation since Adam had already spoke
about a man and woman being joined together in marriage, but because the narrative alluded did
not yet exist. This is a biblical narrative that has historical fact that male and female become one
flesh when married and therefore recognized as indissoluble. The words haven’t you read occurs
four times in the New Testament, three times in Matthew 12:3,5,10 and once in Mark 12:10, but
this particular scripture is in the context of male and female being made by the Creator.14
One Flesh –Greek Translation (Μία σάρκα): The words one and flesh are seen and read
22 times in the bible and are often separate from each other, but in this particular scripture of
12
www.biblegateway.com
www.studylight.org
14
www.biblegateway.com
13
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Matthew 19:5 God in referring to marriage between one man and one woman. This was done in
order to take sin out of the world which is equals a covenant with God for marriage. No man can
divorce his wife without just cause and marry another woman unjustly. The word one itself
means being one person or thing and the word flesh, sarx, in Greek, refers to the physical body
of a person or animal.
Let no one separate- Greek Translation (Ας μην μία ξεχωριστή): According to scripture
occurs one other time in the book of Mark 10:9, but used in the context and confines of marriage
thus stating what God has joined together let no man separate. Separate means to move apart
which biblically means not to allow divorce to enter to the hearts of man which breaks the
covenant of marriage. The Pharisees wanted to overthrow the Lord’s decision with the Law of
Moses for divorce which they called a command.15 The only time should be separate is when one
of the two is deceased.
Moses command (eneteilato) - Greek Translation: (Ο Μωυσής χρησιμοποίησε την
εντολή): Moses commanded or gave God’s commands to his people 148 times in the OT and the
NT. These commands are generally and often given in the OT more than the NT. Moses was
considered one of the greatest prophets known to man and considered a just man in the eyes of
God and man. So, when Moses commanded a certificate of divorce he was basing the divorce
merely off concession of Israel’s hard hearts (Rom 5:20), but the Pharisees took his command
out of context and interpreted it for their own benefit. Moses even goes on to reference Genesis
2:24 again. In the beginning, the Creator did not say to divorce their wives, but looking at the
15
www.studylight.com
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Pharisees low moral state and to prevent others sins that may occur because of your breaking of
the laws of marriage Moses granted a certificate of divorce.16
Better not to marry- Greek Translation: (Καλύτερα να μην παντρευτούν): the general rule
about divorce is it is better not to marry rather than to marry and divorce for any reason other
than unfaithfulness. Matthew's audience would probably interpret these words in line with the
typical meaning of "infidelity," namely, sexual unfaithfulness to the marriage, as grounds for
divorce. Mark and Luke probably could assume such an exception without explicitly stating it
(Carson 1984:418). As France puts it (1985:124), to repudiate a wife after she had committed
adultery was therefore simply the recognition that the marriage had already been terminated by
the creation of a new union. The Matthaean exceptive clause is making explicit what any Jewish
reader would have taken for granted when Jesus made the apparently unqualified
pronouncements of Mark 10:9-12.17 The disciples only knew one ground or position for divorce
which was porneia or sexual immorality. However, if marriage leads to more sin rather than a
blessing from God it is better not to marry. The word marry itself is cited 48 times biblically and
revolves around the beginning of time when God created man and woman to be joined to
together.
Eunuchs- Greek Translation (ουσ. Ευνούχος): The English word in the Greek means bedkeepers in large palaces to protect the harems for Kings. If a male is castrated before puberty or
if he damages his gonads then he is unable to sexually perform and reproduce. These eunuchs
were to watch over the kings harems because they could not even obtain an erection. These
children were usually slaves or sold by their parents. They did this to give the child a better life
16
17
www.studylight.com
www.studylight.com
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or to provide sustenance for the rest of the family.18 In Matthew 19 we see eunuchs as devoting
themselves to God only and do not choose marriage. These kings made these slaves eunuchs and
children as well. The idea that a person who was a eunuch could be baptized, draw close to God
and eventually be begotten into God's family shows them partiality of our Father in all things.19
The word eunuch is used 11 times biblically in the OT and NT.
Several commentators and authors analyze Matthew 19:1-12 and give thought provoking
conclusions to marriage and divorce. William Luck, Sr. says simply put, it is the same as that of
the Old Testament Law and the Prophets. It is true that Jesus tends to point out what the Old
Testament did not, but then that is Jesus’ style. The Matthew 5:31-32a passage teaches that
divorce, when it is unlawful, is the sin of infidelity in the eyes of God.20
Luck says Luke 16:18, Matthew 19:9, and Mark 10:11 all reflect the Malachite oracle
against unjustly divorcing a wife in order simply to marry another woman. And Mark 10:12
admits of the reciprocity of the application of the principle at this point. The unprecedented
exception sections are merely a claim of the principle stated in the Old Testament Prophets that
divorce is an unfit means of discipline to make the opposing spouse come to his or her senses
and be reconciled.21
Chip Bell on the Teachings of Jesus on Divorce says there are many other passages in the
New Testament on the issue of divorce, and these would have to be studied and then connected
with this passage to develop a full teaching on the subject. Marriage was ordained by God in
creation; it was the union of one man and one woman, known as one flesh, to produce a godly
18
www.greekbiblestudy.org/question/what-is-a-eunuch.html. www.greekbible.com/index.php
www.biblestudy.org
20
www.bibleorg/article/teaching-jesus-divorce-matthew-193-12-Mark-102-12. An Exposition of the Gospel of
Matthew
21
www.bible.org
19
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seed (as Malachi explains it). Divorce and remarriage were permitted in Israel by the law, and
that excluded to the protection of marriage was also accepted by Jesus. Divorce may be
necessary at times, but it is still considered a disruption of God’s will, and therefore is wrong.
Celibacy is a gift from God. Those who are afforded this gift then may remain single and
dedicate all their vigor to the kingdom of God, but are not spiritually more holy than those who
marry and raise a family for the glory of God. The body of Christ must teach those who are about
to marry all about the divine plan of marriage and if there is any ethical violation in the marriage
and the couple want to keep the marriage together, they should do all they can to resolve and
heal their marriage. If one spouse does not want to reserve the purity of the marriage, but
remains set in inappropriate behavior, then divorce is allowed.22 If any man divorces
illegitimately and does not confess their sins will be considered an adulterer. Bell goes on to say
the church must forgive and not hold divorce against the spouse if the other party does not want
to reconcile.
Similarities and Differences in the Gospels
In Mark 10:1-12 similar to that of Matthew 19:1-12 that Jesus went into Judea across the
Jordan and he taught the people there. However, verse 1 of Mark, Jesus was already teaching in
Galilee, but in Matthew verse 1 Jesus is leaving Galilee. In Mark verse 2 and in Matthew verse 3
the Pharisees tested Jesus by asking is it lawful to divorce your wife and stated that Moses had
granted a certificate of for a man and his wife. Mark verse 3 and in Matthew verse 7, Jesus
replied to the Pharisees and it was stated that Moses had commanded and given instructions
about marriage. These verses are different because in Matthew, Jesus referenced the beginning of
time when God created man and woman and his position regarding marriage. In Matthew 5:3122
www.bible.org
11
32, Matthew notes the same thoughts as Luke (Luke 16:18) with similar rhetoric. In Matthew
19:3-9, Matthew uses the same words as Mark 10:2-12.
These scriptures are different in a sense. Mark does not follow the Jewish Law on the
basis of divorce and Jesus is not using the law in Mark 10:9. In Matthew 10:10-12, Matthew says
man and woman where in Luke and Mark is sates if a husband and wife divorces. In Mark, rather
questioning Jesus about divorce the Pharisees ask Jesus if divorce is warranted. Luke 16:18,
Luke provides a remark on marriage and divorce and agrees with Mark on marring again. Mark
states a man who marries again commits adultery (Ml 10:11) and like the man has already
committed adultery.
However, three scriptures are parallel concerning divorce (Mt. 19:9, Mk 10:11-12, and Luke
16:18.
INTERPRETATION AND APPLICATION
Christians and non-believers must understand God’s commitment and laws for marriage
and divorce in Matthew 19:1-12. Jesus had already left the region from Galilee and he was use to
teaching and when he comes upon the Pharisees it is as if he was saying why you are asking me
questions about marriage and divorce when you have already been taught about the institution of
marriage. Jesus was simply stating what God created from the beginning of time and wanted
people in the Old and New Testament to understand the ethics of marriage had not changed. Man
and woman will be married and become one flesh to symbolize the Father, the Son, and Holy
Spirit. Furthermore, the Pharisees are refuting was Jesus is saying and was following the Mosaic
Law which is not God’s ultimate law, but Jesus tells the Pharisees Moses gave a certificate of
divorce because the hearts would not allow the man to do the right thing and he would never love
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his wife for who she was and always will have sinful actions such as immorality. Jesus’ disciples
wanted clarification and asked Jesus is it better not to marry rather follow Christ since they were
followers of Christ. Jesus said not everyone has the gift of being eunuchs or people who are
totally committed to Christ and have no urge for sexual morality or a marriage, but the person
who has been made a bed keeper and can accept following and devoting their lives to Christ
should, but being a eunuch is a gift from God.
APPLICATION TO THE CONTEMPORARY CHURCH
Contemporary church can apply this passage in many ways. First, we have to listen to
what Jesus is teaching us about marriage and divorce before we decide to get married and if we
listen to Jesus and lean not to our own understanding then we can hear what he is teaching.
Secondly, the contemporary church needs not to antagonize God with questions that they know
the answers. We ask God for understanding and wisdom and he gives it to us, but the
contemporary church already has the answer about marriage and divorce. However, for the sake
of answering the question, Jesus replies back with a question, but Jesus said since you asked and
I do not want there to be any misconception or confusion, the Creator said marriage is between
one man and one woman and the man shall leave his father and mother and the two will become
one flesh. Jesus is saying you are no longer a child of your parents, but you now take on the
duties and responsibilities as a man and a woman as a help mate to her husband and do not allow
anyone including your parents separate your marriage. Jesus knew that it is difficult for parents
to let go of their children and allow them to grow up. These same antagonizing people who were
challenging Jesus ask why did you allow Moses to grant a divorce to a man to leave his wife.
Jesus states because their hearts were hard and Moses knew the man would never love his wife
and would abandon her and possibly commit adultery which breaks the covenant with God and
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marriage. So, God allowed Moses to grant the man a divorce, but gives the contemporary church
no right to divorce. Finally, the disciples seem confused and ask Jesus is it better not to marry.
Jesus is telling the contemporary church it is better to marry rather than to burn in hell and not
follow the laws of marriage created by God, but if the church can commit to being celibate and
devote their life to Christ then it is better not to marry.23 Being celibate is a gift from God and
nothing that you can obtain as a contemporary church.
APPLICATION TO THE CONTEMPORARY WORLD
The application of this passage to the contemporary world is critical to us today because
of all of the laws attempting pass in society regarding same sex marriage and the right divorce.
Homosexuality is accepted in the contemporary world, but the world has to read this scripture to
understand that God made marriage between one man and one woman. The worlds morals and
values have decreased as time as moved forward, but the world has to make God a precedence in
our lives. We are destroying our children and our society with homosexuality and our children
are becoming confused daily on the institution of marriage. Secondly, we the contemporary
world must rid itself of divorce because no one had the faith in God that he is the author and
finisher of marriage and divorcing your wife for any other reason than abandonment or adultery
is forbidden. The world divorces because of financial difficulties, arguments, and myriad of
others things, but God says what he has brought together let no man put asunder. Moreover, it is
better to marry rather to go to hell because of fornication, but if anyone who can totally devote
their lives to Christ like monks, priests, or nuns then by all means do so. It is difficult to be
23
Divorce, Celibacy and Joseph (Matthew 1:18-25 and 19:1-12) by Allison, Dale C, Jr. Source Journal for the New
Testament, no 49 Mr 1993, p 3-10 Publication Type: Article.
14
married and totally devote yourself to Christ because then the contemporary world would be
abandoning their spouse which is not what God intended in this Matthew 19:1-12.
CONCLUSION
Matthew 19:1-12 is by far a great example of what God created in the beginning for
marriage. It is a scripture that should be constantly read by people who intend to get and by those
who are currently married or seeking divorce. Matthew intended to inform us that people in the
Old and New Testaments had questions regarding marriage, but these questions are not left up to
our carnal interpretations for marriage and divorce. Divorce is not allowed is God’s eyes and is
frowned upon. Without marriage our world is consistently and constantly changing. There are
less of two parent homes in the history of mankind and our children and society is suffering
worldwide which has led to worldwide sin. Our families are dysfunctional and more people are
mentally ill than ever. The more two parent homes children are reared the more successful the
child, but there is a higher possibility as well that the family has morals, values, and a godly
upbringing. God wants our best when we marry, but he also wants us to understand that the laws
of the land regarding marriage are not up for debate, but is a command from the beginning of
time.
.
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BIBLOGRAPHY
Eerdmans Commentary on the Bible. James D. G. Dunn editor of the New Testament and John
W. Rogerson editor of the Old Testament and Apocrypha. 2003 Wm. B Eerdmans Publishing
Co. Grand Rapids. MI.
New International Greek Testament Commentary. The Gospel of Matthew. A Commentary on the
Greek Test by John Holland. 2005 Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. Grand Rapids, MI.
The Expositor’s Bible Commentary with the New International Version Matthew, Mark, Luke
Volume 8. S. A Carson 1984 by Zondervan. Grand Rapids, MI.
The Oxford Bible Commentary edited by John Barton and John Muddiman. Oxford University
Press 2001. Oxford New York.
www.biblegateway.com/resourcecommentaries/IVp-NT/MATT/Grounds-Divorce-GodsLaw
www.bibleorg/article/teaching-jesus-divorce-matthew-193-12-Mark-102-12. An Exposition of
the Gospel of Matthew.
www.greekbible.com/index.php
www.greekbiblestudy.org/question/what-is-a-eunuch.html.
www.studylight.org/com/hac/view.cgi?bk=mtt-ch=19
Divorce, Celibacy and Joseph (Matthew 1:18-25 and 19:1-12) by Allison, Dale C, Jr. Source
Journal for the New Testament, no 49 Mr 1993, p 3-10 Publication Type: Article.
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