This is a very small book. If someone is interested in this topic at a more detailed level, I would recommend Jesus and Divorce by the same author, and co-authored by William Heth. But this book is a helpful introduction to the topic. The only reason I have it higher in the list is because the topic itself is, in my view, of utmost importance to the Church currently.

Wenham is an accomplished Old Testament scholar. He has contributed to reputable organizations like Ligonier Ministries. And he has good commentaries on various Old Testament books. I have used his commentary on Genesis as a reference in my sermon preparations.

Wenham takes the traditional view on remarriage. That divorce or separation may occur in limited circumstances, but that remarriage is always prohibited. His pastoral application is weak and wrong, but his scholarly work is persuasive in arguing for a no remarriage position, unless the spouse dies.

In his summary of Jesus’ teachings, Wenham says,

“It appears that all three Synoptic Gospels regard assent to Jesus’ teaching on marriage and divorce as proof of loyalty to the law. There is thus no conflict between the different Gospels on how Jesus’ teaching should be interpreted. All agree that divorce is contrary to the Creator’s intention and that remarriage after divorce constitutes adultery, even if the law of Moses or Rome requires divorce for sexual immorality.” (p. 94)

Wenham cites examples from the Shepherd of Hermas, Justin Martyr, Clement of Alexandria, and Origen to supplement the no remarriage view. He then goes on to cite a work done by Henri Crouzel, a 20th century French Jesuit priest, to also supplement his view.

“We have looked at the views of only four early Christian writers from the first two centuries of the post-apostolic era. However, the full and definitive study of all the Christian writers in the first five centuries comes to very similar conclusions. That study lists twenty-five writers and two early councils who rejected remarriage after divorce. This consensus is remarkable, for on a great many issues the church was divided and rent by fierce controversy, including disputes over such central doctrines as the incarnation, the Trinity, Christology, sin, redemption, and the sacraments. If ever there was a doctrine that fulfilled the Vincentian canon of orthodoxy – ‘what has been believed everywhere, always, and by all’ – the traditional teaching on divorce and remarriage fulfills it abundantly.” (pp. 116-117)

Wenham may be overstating his case here, but it is quite a remarkable consensus. There were a minority number of dissenting opinions. Origen mentions bishops who permitted remarriage contrary to the teachings of Christ. Ambrosiaster is one such writer that affirms remarriage after divorce. But in general the no remarriage view is certainly the majority view of the early church.

Good book if you’re just getting in to this topic. Wenham’s Jesus and Divorce is better. And for how this applies to you, the church, the culture, and our politics, check out Contra Mundum Swagger by yours truly.