1 Corinthians 7:12

But to the rest speak I, not the Lord That is, there has been no precept given by Christ Himself in the particular case now referred to, therefore St Paul falls back on the general inspiration given by Christ to His Apostles. Compare 1 Corinthians 7:40 (where see note), and St John 16:13. "Christ lays down the general rule, the Apostles apply it to particular emergencies." Stanley.

If any brother hath a wife that believeth not This, the case where one of the two persons already married is an unbeliever, the most difficult of all, is here dealt with, and the sacredness of the marriage tie maintained under circumstances the most unpromising. The only case in which -a brother or sister is not under bondage" to its obligations is where (1 Corinthians 7:15) the unbelieving partner insists upon a separation.