Last resort Quote by John Macarthur
“Divorce was never commanded, even for adultery. Otherwise God would have given His notice of divorce to Israel and Judah long before He did. A legitimate bill of divorce was allowable for adultery, but it was never commanded or required. It was a last resort - to be used only when unrepentant immorality had exhausted the patience of the innocent spouse, and the guilty one would not be restored.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Gospel According to Jesus, 1991
Divorce is a last‑resort remedy, not a command, even for adultery.
In simple terms: Divorce allowed only when all other attempts fail.
Key Takeaway
Seek reconciliation before considering divorce.
Themes
marriage
adultery
divorce
Mood
serious
thoughtful
Type
theological
practical
When to use this quote
- marital counseling
- church guidance
- legal advice
Key Concepts
Biblical law
ethical hierarchy
Questions to Reflect On
- When is divorce truly unavoidable?
- How can couples pursue restoration effectively?
A Different Perspective
Cultural contexts may interpret scriptural guidance differently.
![“See that the mind is honest, first; the rest may follow or not as God wills. [That] the fundamental treason to the mind ... is the one fundamental treason which the scholar's mind must not allow is the bond uniting all the Oxford people in the last resort.” quote by Dorothy L. Sayers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c74/dorothy-l-sayers-738_academia_see-that-the-mind-is-honest-first-the-re_16293.jpg)
