Model Marriage by Bishop Dag Heward Mills

Chapter 24

What Every Christian Should Know

About Divorce

The Definition of Divorce

The word translated “divorce” in the New Testament is “apostasion”, which means, “a
defection”. Imagine a soldier who has been enlisted and drafted in the army, who runs away
without permission. He is a defector. If he is arrested he is likely to be shot. The dictionary
meaning of defect is “to forsake a party”.

The Scriptures on Divorce

Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his

wife: and they shall be one flesh.

Genesis 2:24

But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause

of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her

that is divorced committeth adultery.

Matthew 5:32

What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

Mark 10:9