I say this as a concession, not as a command.

To the married I give this command – not I, but the Lord ¹  – a wife should not divorce a husband

If anyone considers himself a prophet or spiritual person, he should acknowledge that what I write to you is the Lord’s command.

With regard to the question about people who have never married, ¹  I have no command from the Lord, but I give my opinion as one shown mercy by the Lord to be trustworthy.

If someone does not recognize this, he is not recognized.

To the rest I say – I, not the Lord ¹  – if a brother has a wife who is not a believer and she is happy to live with him, he should not divorce her.