This phrase and the verse “do not be yoked with unbelievers” is often used in the context of marriage. Is this what Paul meant though? And is it a right application? What does Paul mean here?
About Idolatry
Corinth was a pagan city filled with idolatry and idolatrous practices. Like everything, if you are around it enough, you absorb the culture of it. Much like today where so many don’t think twice of having sexual relations outside of marriage or living with their boyfriend/girlfriend. Familiarity is not an acceptable form of righteousness.
Paul calls out the Corinthians. He tells them not to engage in the practices of the pagan idolatry.
Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said:
“I will live with them
and walk among them,
and I will be their God,
and they will be my people.”
Therefore,
“Come out from them
and be separate,
says the Lord.
Touch no unclean thing,
and I will receive you.”
And,
“I will be a Father to you,
and you will be my sons and daughters,
says the Lord Almighty” (1 Cor 6:14-7:1).
Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God”
We don’t know the specifics of what they were doing, but something they were doing was united themselves with idols. It involved their bodies. We know previously that there were issues with meat sacrificed to idols and temple prostitution. It could have been these and Paul is just provoking them to holiness one more time.
The admonition is clear though.
We are the temple of God.
God lives in us.
Touch no unclean thing.
Purify ourselves not just in body but also in spirit.
Let’s perfect holiness out of reverence for God.
That phrase is especially powerful: Let’s perfect holiness out of reverence for God.
It’s a working towards and diligently pursuing holiness.
Is “Do Not be Yoked” About Marriage?
This text has nothing to do about marriage. And also…everything still applies. While it’s direct injunction is about idolatry, the principles still shape the same life practice. If participating in some form of idolatry at the temple is bad because it is a unification to an unbeliever, then there is a parallel application to uniting oneself with a non-Christian in marriage.
Paul is going to make it clear later on that if one marries, they are to marry in the Lord (1 Cor 7:39). Though if someone is already married and that person is not a believer, they are to stay with them. Perhaps they may come to the Lord. But if the unbeliever wants to leave, then it is acceptable to let them leave.
It’s true, that the primary purpose of this text is about idolatry. But it’s also true that it applies to other things as well. Where is that we are most yoked to someone or something else?
Conclusion
Be careful what you unite yourself with, whether that is with an idol or anything or anyone else. You are not your own. You were purchased for someone else. And that someone else just happens to be God.