(Podcast 9.5.21) A Biblical Approach to Divorce and Remarriage

By: Brian G. Chilton and Curtis Evelo | September 5, 2021

Are divorce and remarriage ever acceptable among Christians? Can divorced and remarried individuals serve in Christian leadership roles? Christians are divided over these issues often due to poor biblical interpretations. Brian and Curtis tackle this controversial topic from a strictly biblical and theological perspective. What are your thoughts? Leave a comment on the website and let us know.

1. Does the Bible permit divorce? If so, what circumstances allow divorce to happen?

2. The primary focus of divorce and remarriage is found in Jesus’s teaching on the issue. What was the OT passage at the center of debate, and what were the circumstances behind the passage?

3. What was the background behind the debate on divorce in Jesus’s day?

4. In Jesus’s teaching on divorce, what constitutes the exception clause that he provides?

5. Does the Bible ever permit remarriage?

6. Does the Bible provide other exception clauses?

7. Can divorced and remarried people ever serve as pastors and deacons?

8. How does our understanding of the gospel and God’s grace shape the way we should approach issues like these?

9. All in all, what was Jesus’s primary message in the Gospel of Matthew relating to marriage?

Brian Chilton: Founder of Bellator Christi Ministries

Brian G. Chilton is a Ph.D. Candidate in the Theology and Apologetics program at Liberty University. He is the host of The Bellator Christi Podcast and the founder of Bellator Christi. He received his Master of Divinity in Theology from Liberty University (with high distinction); his Bachelor of Science in Religious Studies and Philosophy from Gardner-Webb University (with honors); and plans to purse philosophical studies at Biola University. Brian is a member of the Evangelical Theological Society and the Evangelical Philosophical Society. Brian has served in pastoral ministry for nearly 20 years and currently serves as a clinical hospice chaplain. Additionally, he serves as an editor for the Eleutheria Journal and is an Associate Editor for MoralApologetics.com.

https://www.amazon.com/Laymans-Manual-Christian-Apologetics-Essentials/dp/1532697104

Curtis Evelo: Co-Host and Producer of the Bellator Christi Podcast

Curtis Evelo is a cattle rancher at the E6 Hereford Ranch in St. Ignatius, Montana. Curtis is the Co-Host and Producer of the Bellator Christi Podcast. He often teaches and speaks at his church Cornerstone Faith Center in St. Ignatius. Curtis provides a common-sense approach to Christianity as he contemplates the wonders of God’s creation in Big Sky Country.

Resources for Further Reflection

(Article) Brian G. Chilton, “The Graces of God,” https://bellatorchristi.com/2016/04/29/the-graces-of-god-1-corinthians-1510-11/

(Article) Brian G. Chilton, “Various Forms of God’s Grace,” https://bellatorchristi.com/2013/11/05/various-forms-of-gods-grace/

(Article) Brian G. Chilton, “Facing an Unknown Future with a Known God,” https://bellatorchristi.com/2020/09/14/facing-an-unknown-future-with-a-known-god/