2 CorinthiansНамуна

Paul here takes up an image from Deuteronomy 2 2:10: "You shall not plow with an ox and a donkey together."(ESV) Why? Because they simply do not fit together. One pulls stronger, the other is faster—this leads to tension, unrest, and in the end, no progress is made. In the same way, Paul says, it is when Christians allow themselves to be unequally yoked with unbelievers.

This is not about completely isolating oneself from non-Christians—Paul himself had many contacts with them because he wanted to bring them the gospel. But when it comes to deep connections that shape and influence, a clear boundary is necessary.

For Paul thinks spiritually: How can light and darkness be compatible? How can Christ be united with Belial—another name for Satan? Whoever belongs to Christ is a temple of the living God. And the temple of God must not be mixed with idols.

Werner de Boor writes aptly: "What does not belong together in its essence and nature, man should not artificially connect and yoke together."

This means: Wherever believers bind themselves too closely to people who consciously reject Jesus—be it in close partnerships, deep covenants, or binding associations—spiritual tension arises. Paul calls for separation—not out of arrogance, but out of spiritual concern.

But what about existing marriages in which one partner does not believe? Paul addresses this question in 1 Corinthians, chapter 7, from verse 12 onwards. He makes it clear there: Whoever is already in a marriage with an unbeliever should not leave, as long as the other is willing to live in peace.

For Reflection:
Where in my life is there a need for clarity about boundaries—not out of pride, but out of faithfulness to Christ, the Lord of my life? Where could a connection that is too close weaken my spiritual life?