Matthew

Matthew 5:31-32

The King protects marriage by exposing divorce that hides covenant unfaithfulness behind legal permission.

Matthew 5:31-32 (WEB)

31 “It was also said, ‘Whoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorce,’

32 but I tell you that whoever puts away his wife, except for the cause of sexual immorality, makes her an adulteress; and whoever marries her when she is put away commits adultery.

Central Idea

The King protects marriage by exposing divorce that hides covenant unfaithfulness behind legal permission.

Authorial Intent

Matthew records Jesus confronting casual divorce by restoring the moral seriousness of marriage covenant faithfulness under the righteousness of the kingdom.

Historical Context

The Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus addresses disciples and crowds concerning the righteousness of the kingdom.

Chapter: Matthew 5

Kingdom Blessedness, Fulfilled Law, and Heart-Level Righteousness

Jesus reveals that kingdom citizens are blessed, visible, Scripture-governed, and called to a heart-level righteousness that reflects the character of their heavenly Father.