Adultery in the New testament. Jesus confirmed the commandment against adultery in the gospels, saying, “But I say to you, anyone who looks at a woman and lusts after she has already committed adultery with her.” “He explained that the outward act of adultery is not an independent process from the sins of the heart: “From within people we find evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deception, licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, folly, etc.
Table of Contents
Introduction
There are all these evils within us that defile.” However, some commentators, including Thomas Aquinas, believe that Jesus was making a point about the commandment, In Genesis, Jesus explained that marriage is a divine institution that comes from God, so do not covet your neighbor’s wife.And ends with this interesting note: “Now they are one flesh instead of two”.
Consequently, what God has joined together, no man must separate.” Jesus dismissed expedient provisions allowing divorce for almost any reason and stated that only sexual immorality (breaking of the marriage covenant) could lead to divorce without adultery. Similar teachings were taught by the Apostle Paul (commonly referred to as Pauline privileges).
To keep the marriage together, I give the charge, not I, but the Lord, that the wife should not leave her husband… and that the husband should not divorce her. For the rest, I say, not the Lord… Nevertheless, if the unbeliever wishes to separate, that is their choice; in that case, the brother or sister is not bound by the decision. We are to live in peace according to God’s will.
A woman caught in adultery is the subject of the gospel of John. The leaders responsible for executing justice brought her to Jesus for judgment. While Jesus clearly identified adultery with sin, his statement “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone” did not refer to the precepts of law but to conscience. There should also have been a man on trial if the woman had been caught in adultery, say some commentators.
It was clearly stated in the law that both parties would be sentenced to death. As a result of failing to bring the guilty man to justice, these leaders shared in the guilt and were unfit to carry out the punishment. “Go and sin no more,” Jesus warns the woman in parting, not condoning her adultery.
Adultery is a grave sin, according to the Apostle Paul:
There is no inheritance in the kingdom of God for the sexually immoral, the idolaters, the adulterers, the homosexuals, the thieves, the greedy, the drunkards, the revilers, or the swindlers. There were some of you who were like that. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God, you were washed, sanctified, and justified.
Relationships between spouses are expected to be sexually active and encouraged. Neither the wife nor the husband has authority over their own bodies, but the husband does. As “one flesh,” the husband and wife share this right and privilege; intimacy is not depicted as something held in reserve by each spouse to be shared on condition.
The husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does.”The purpose of maintaining marital relations is to reduce the temptation to adultery, so stop depriving one another, except by agreement for a time that you may devote yourselves to prayer and come together again so that Satan won’t tempt you because of your lack of self-control.”
While Scripture does not clarify whether Paul was never married or widowed, it does state that he was unmarried. They note, however, that he realized the practical benefits of remaining single. In his view, celibacy was a gift, while sexual desire was a more common condition. Thus, he suggests that most people would be better off getting married to avoid being tempted beyond their capacity or going through life “burning with passion.”
Spiritual Adultery: Adultery in the New testament
A person who commits spiritual adultery is unfaithful to God. In other words, it is having an over-indulgent love for worldly things. As unfaithfulness to a spouse, spiritual adultery is analogous to unfaithfulness to one’s spouse: “Like the unfaithfulness of a woman to her lover, so have you been to me, O house of Israel.”
Aside from the Israelites, other nations like the Ammonites, the Philistines, etc. Did not know or serve God. As a result, they offered their worship to deities such as Molech, Baal, and others. Despite this, the prophets did not describe what these pagan nations were doing for religion as adultery, since they were on their own.
God’s people, Israel, embraced foreign religions, accepted foreign deities, made idols, and served them, which the prophets described as adultery for it was like a married woman having an affair with another man.
Any act of worship offered to foreign deities, such as burning incense, offering sacrifices to foreign deities, performing rituals in the name of other gods, building shrines and high places for other gods, etc. All of these constitute spiritual or religious unfaithfulness, which is why it is called spiritual adultery – spiritual adultery.
What is the Punishment?
It is clear from Leviticus (20:10-12) that stoning is the punishment for adultery specifically: “If an adulterer commits adultery with another man’s wife, even with the wife of his neighbor, he must be executed as both an adulterer and an adulteress…” In addition, Deuteronomy (22:22-24) states that “If a man happens to meet a virgin who is vowed to be married in that town and sleeps with her, you should stone both of them to death at its gate.”
As of today, there is no such punishment for adultery in the Bible. Adultery, however, comes with its own punishment. Sexual sin is an offense against one’s own body (1 Corinthians 6:18). It is written in Proverbs that adultery has the following consequences: loss of honor and strength (Proverbs 5:9–11), ruined reputation (Proverbs 5:14), bondage and death (Proverbs 5:22–23), self-destruction (Proverbs 6:32), and the vengeance of a jealous spouse (Proverbs 6:34).
Does a man’s clothing burn when he scoops fire into his lap? Can a man walk on hot coals without getting burned? It is strictly forbidden to touch another woman or sleep with her.
FAQS
What is the primary definition of adultery in the New Testament?
In the New Testament, adultery is fundamentally defined as sexual intercourse between a married person and someone other than their spouse. This understanding aligns with the Old Testament prohibitions, particularly the seventh commandment, “You shall not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14; Deuteronomy 5:18).
However, the New Testament, especially through the teachings of Jesus, expands this definition to include not only the physical act but also the intent and desire of the heart. Jesus famously states in Matthew 5:28, “But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” This signifies a shift from merely external actions to the internal purity of thought and motive, emphasizing a deeper moral standard.
How does Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:27-28 expand the understanding of adultery?
Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:27-28 profoundly expands the understanding of adultery by moving beyond the physical act to encompass the realm of thought and desire. He states, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
This revolutionary statement highlights that sin is not just about external behavior but also about the internal state of one’s heart and mind. It challenges individuals to examine their motives and desires, suggesting that lustful thoughts are a precursor to the physical act and are, in themselves, a form of spiritual adultery. This teaching sets a higher moral standard, demanding inner purity as well as outward conformity to the law.
What are the consequences of adultery as described in the New Testament?
The New Testament consistently portrays adultery as a grave sin with serious consequences, both spiritual and social. Spiritually, it is seen as a violation of God’s law and a betrayal of the covenant of marriage, which is divinely instituted. Passages like Hebrews 13:4 state, “Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.”
This indicates divine judgment for those who engage in such acts. Socially, adultery leads to the breakdown of trust, family discord, and often divorce, causing immense pain and suffering to all involved. It undermines the stability of the family unit, which is a foundational element of society. The New Testament emphasizes repentance and forgiveness, but it also clearly outlines the destructive nature of this sin.
Does the New Testament offer any exceptions for divorce in cases of adultery?
Yes, the New Testament does offer an explicit exception for divorce in cases of adultery, though interpretations vary among scholars. In Matthew 19:9, Jesus states, “I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.” The Greek word for “sexual immorality” here is porneia, which can encompass a range of illicit sexual behaviors, including adultery.
This specific exception is often seen as a concession due to the hardness of human hearts, allowing for divorce when the marriage covenant has been fundamentally broken by infidelity. While other New Testament passages seem to present a stricter view on divorce (e.g., Mark 10:11-12, Luke 16:18, 1 Corinthians 7:10-11), the “exception clause” in Matthew is widely cited as the sole biblical grounds for permissible divorce.
How does Paul address adultery in his epistles?
Paul, in his epistles, strongly condemns adultery and other forms of sexual immorality, emphasizing purity and holiness within the Christian community. He consistently lists adultery among the “works of the flesh” that prevent individuals from inheriting the kingdom of God (Galatians 5:19-21; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10). Paul urges believers to flee from sexual immorality, reminding them that their bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:18-20).
He also stresses the importance of marital fidelity, advocating that husbands and wives fulfill their conjugal duties to one another (1 Corinthians 7:2-5). For Paul, adultery is not merely a moral transgression but also a sin against one’s own body and against God, undermining the sanctity of marriage and the integrity of the Christian life.
What is the significance of the story of the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11)?
The story of the woman caught in adultery in John 8:1-11 is profoundly significant for its portrayal of Jesus’ mercy, wisdom, and challenge to hypocrisy. When the Scribes and Pharisees bring the woman to Jesus, seeking to trap him into condemning her, Jesus famously responds, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” This statement exposes the hypocrisy of her accusers, who, despite their outward piety, are themselves flawed.
Jesus does not condone the woman’s sin, but neither does he condemn her. Instead, he offers her forgiveness and a call to repentance: “Go now and leave your life of sin.” This narrative beautifully illustrates God’s grace, emphasizing that while sin is real, God’s desire is for restoration rather than condemnation, and it underscores the importance of self-examination before judging others.
Does the New Testament link adultery to idolatry?
While the New Testament doesn’t explicitly link physical adultery directly to idolatry as often as the Old Testament, there are thematic connections and underlying principles that suggest a spiritual parallel. In the Old Testament, Israel’s unfaithfulness to God was often described as spiritual adultery or prostitution, betraying their covenant relationship with Yahweh by worshiping other gods.
The New Testament maintains this emphasis on exclusive devotion to God. When Paul speaks against various forms of immorality, including sexual sin, he often links them to practices associated with pagan idolatry (e.g., Romans 1:24-32). Fundamentally, both idolatry and adultery represent a misplaced allegiance: idolatry is giving one’s ultimate devotion to something other than God, and adultery is a betrayal of the exclusive covenant of marriage. Both involve a breaking of fidelity to a primary relationship.
How does the concept of “one flesh” relate to adultery in the New Testament?
The concept of “one flesh,” originating in Genesis and affirmed by Jesus in the New Testament (Matthew 19:5-6; Mark 10:7-8), is central to understanding the gravity of adultery. When a man and woman marry, they become “one flesh,” signifying a profound, holistic union – physically, emotionally, and spiritually. This union is intended to be exclusive and lifelong. Adultery, therefore, is a direct violation of this sacred “one flesh” bond.
It introduces a third party into this exclusive union, tearing apart what God has joined together. Paul further elaborates on this in 1 Corinthians 6:16, warning against being “united with a prostitute,” as it makes one “one body” with her, highlighting the deep spiritual implications of sexual acts outside of marriage and underscoring the destructive nature of adultery to the marital covenant.
What is the role of repentance regarding adultery in the New Testament?
Repentance plays a crucial role regarding adultery in the New Testament, as it does for all sins. While adultery is condemned as a serious transgression, the New Testament consistently emphasizes God’s mercy and willingness to forgive those who genuinely repent. The story of the woman caught in adultery (John 8) is a prime example, where Jesus, after challenging her accusers, tells her, “Go now and leave your life of sin.”
This implies a call to turn away from the sinful behavior. Paul, even while listing adulterers among those who will not inherit the kingdom of God, also speaks of individuals who were formerly involved in such sins but have been “washed, sanctified, and justified” (1 Corinthians 6:11) through faith in Christ. Genuine repentance involves sorrow for the sin, confession, and a commitment to forsake the behavior.
Does the New Testament distinguish between adultery and fornication?
Yes, the New Testament generally distinguishes between adultery (moicheia in Greek) and fornication (porneia in Greek), although the terms can sometimes overlap in their broader condemnation of illicit sexual acts. Adultery specifically refers to sexual intercourse where at least one of the parties is married to someone else.
It violates the sacred bond of marriage. Fornication, on the other hand, is a broader term encompassing all illicit sexual activity outside of marriage, including premarital sex, prostitution, and other forms of sexual immorality. While adultery is a specific type of fornication, fornication is a more general category. The New Testament condemns both, but adultery carries the added weight of betraying a marital covenant.
How is sexual purity emphasized in the New Testament in relation to adultery?
Sexual purity is profoundly emphasized throughout the New Testament as a core aspect of Christian living, directly contrasting with the impurity of adultery. Believers are called to live holy lives, free from sexual immorality, because their bodies are considered temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:18-20). This call to purity extends beyond mere physical acts to include thoughts and desires, as seen in Jesus’ teaching on lust (Matthew 5:28).
Paul frequently exhorts Christians to “flee from sexual immorality” and to “abstain from sexual immorality” (1 Thessalonians 4:3; Ephesians 5:3). The sanctity of marriage is upheld as the only proper context for sexual intimacy, and any sexual activity outside of this sacred bond, including adultery, is unequivocally condemned as impure and contrary to God’s will.
What is the New Testament’s view on remarriage after adultery?
The New Testament’s view on remarriage after adultery is complex and subject to varying interpretations among Christian traditions. The primary teaching from Jesus (Matthew 5:32; 19:9) states that divorcing one’s spouse and remarrying constitutes adultery, unless the divorce was on the grounds of “sexual immorality” (porneia). This “exception clause” in Matthew is the source of much discussion.
Some interpret it to mean that if a divorce occurs due to a spouse’s adultery, the innocent party is then free to remarry without committing adultery. Others hold a stricter view, arguing that remarriage is still generally forbidden, even after adultery, emphasizing the permanency of the marital bond. However, the most common interpretation in many traditions allows for remarriage for the innocent party when the original marriage has been broken by spousal infidelity.
Does the New Testament offer grace and forgiveness for those who have committed adultery?
Absolutely, the New Testament offers profound grace and forgiveness for those who have committed adultery, just as it does for all sins, provided there is genuine repentance. The central message of the Gospel is one of redemption and reconciliation with God through faith in Jesus Christ. While adultery is clearly condemned as a serious sin, the New Testament does not present it as unforgivable.
The story of the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11) is a powerful testament to Jesus’ compassion and willingness to extend grace to sinners. Paul’s epistles also speak of individuals who were once involved in various immoral behaviors, including adultery, but who have been “washed, sanctified, and justified” in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God (1 Corinthians 6:9-11). Forgiveness is always available for those who confess their sin, genuinely repent, and seek God’s mercy.
How does the New Testament’s teaching on adultery compare to the Old Testament’s?
The New Testament’s teaching on adultery builds upon and deepens the Old Testament’s prohibitions, rather than contradicting them. The Old Testament explicitly forbids adultery as a violation of the seventh commandment and punishes it severely, often with death (Leviticus 20:10; Deuteronomy 22:22). It emphasizes the physical act and its consequences for the community and the purity of the marital covenant.
The New Testament affirms this condemnation but expands it significantly through Jesus’ teaching. Jesus takes the prohibition further by including the intention of the heart and lustful thoughts as a form of adultery (Matthew 5:28). This indicates a shift towards an emphasis on internal purity and the spiritual dimension of sin, in addition to external behavior. While the Old Testament focused on the act, the New Testament delves into the root causes and desires that lead to the act, calling for a more comprehensive moral transformation.
What warnings does the New Testament give against adultery?
The New Testament issues clear and severe warnings against adultery, emphasizing its destructive nature and spiritual consequences. Hebrews 13:4 states unequivocally, “Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.” This highlights divine judgment for those who engage in such sin. Paul repeatedly lists adultery among the “works of the flesh” that prevent individuals from inheriting the kingdom of God (Galatians 5:19-21; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10).
These warnings serve as a strong deterrent, underscoring that adultery is not a minor transgression but a grave sin that undermines the sanctity of marriage, defiles the body (which is considered a temple of the Holy Spirit), and ultimately separates individuals from God’s kingdom. The warnings are a call to purity, fidelity, and adherence to God’s design for sexual intimacy within the confines of marriage.
Read also: Adultery vs Bigamy; Adultery vs Fornication Islam; What is adultery in the bible?; Are Adultery and Fornication the same ?
External resource: Wikipedia
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