Celibacy, the state of abstaining from marriage and sexual relations, is a concept that appears in various contexts within the Bible. It is often associated with a life dedicated to spiritual service and devotion to God. The practice of celibacy is not mandated for all believers but is presented as a viable and sometimes commendable option for those who feel called to it.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, celibacy is not explicitly discussed as a lifestyle choice. The cultural and religious emphasis was on marriage and procreation, as seen in the command to "be fruitful and multiply" (Genesis 1:28). However, certain individuals, such as the prophet Jeremiah, were called to a life of celibacy. God instructed Jeremiah, "You must not marry or have sons or daughters in this place" (Jeremiah 16:2), as a symbolic act reflecting the impending judgment on Judah.

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament provides more direct teachings on celibacy, particularly through the Apostle Paul. In 1 Corinthians 7, Paul addresses the topic extensively, offering guidance to the early Christian community. He acknowledges the value of marriage but also highlights the benefits of celibacy for those who are able to accept it. Paul states, "I wish that all men were as I am. But each man has his own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that" (1 Corinthians 7:7). Here, celibacy is presented as a gift, a special calling that allows individuals to focus more fully on serving the Lord.

Paul further explains, "The unmarried man is concerned about the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord. But the married man is concerned about the things of this world, how he may please his wife" (1 Corinthians 7:32-33). This passage suggests that celibacy can provide an undivided devotion to God, free from the distractions and obligations that accompany marriage.

Jesus and Celibacy

Jesus Himself speaks of celibacy in the context of the kingdom of heaven. In Matthew 19:12, He says, "For there are eunuchs who were born that way; others were made that way by men; and still others have renounced marriage because of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it" . Jesus acknowledges that celibacy is not for everyone but is a calling for those who can embrace it for the sake of the kingdom.

Historical and Theological Perspectives

Throughout church history, celibacy has been esteemed in various Christian traditions, particularly within monastic communities and the Roman Catholic priesthood. It is viewed as a means of living a life wholly dedicated to God, emulating the example of Christ and the Apostle Paul.

In Protestant traditions, celibacy is generally considered a personal choice rather than a requirement for clergy or laypeople. The emphasis is often placed on the individual's calling and the spiritual gifts bestowed by God.

Practical Considerations

While celibacy is honored as a legitimate and sometimes preferable lifestyle for those called to it, the Bible also recognizes the challenges it may present. Paul advises that it is better to marry than to "burn with passion" (1 Corinthians 7:9), acknowledging that celibacy is not suitable for everyone. The decision to remain celibate should be made with careful consideration of one's personal calling and spiritual gifts.

In summary, celibacy is a biblically supported lifestyle that allows individuals to devote themselves more fully to the service of God. It is a personal calling that requires discernment and is respected as a gift from God for those who are able to embrace it.1 Corinthians 7:32-40
But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried cares for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord:
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1 Corinthians 7:2
Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.
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1 Corinthians 7:1
Now concerning the things whereof you wrote to me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.
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Matthew 19:10-12
His disciples say to him, If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry.
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1 Corinthians 7:1-40
Now concerning the things whereof you wrote to me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.
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1 Corinthians 7:25
Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that has obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful.
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1 Corinthians 7:26
I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, I say, that it is good for a man so to be.
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1 Corinthians 9:5
Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas?
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1 Timothy 3:2
A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
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Marriage and Celibacy.
... SERMONS. XIV. MARRIAGE AND CELIBACY. Preached January II, 1852. MARRIAGE
AND CELIBACY. "But this I say, brethren, the time ...
/.../robertson/sermons preached at brighton/xiv marriage and celibacy.htm

Proposed Action on Clerical Celibacy.
... Proposed Action on Clerical Celibacy. [The Acts are not extant.] Notes.
Often the mind of a deliberative assembly is as clearly ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/proposed action on clerical celibacy.htm

Marriage Good: Celibacy Preferable.
... Book I. Chapter III."Marriage Good: Celibacy Preferable. But let it not be
thought that my reason for premising thus much concerning ...
/.../tertullian/to his wife/chapter iii marriage good celibacy preferable.htm

His Decision on the Question of Divorce. --Celibacy. (Matt. , xix,
... CHAPTER XIV. JESUS IN PERAEA (BETHABARA). Section 224. His Decision on the Question
of Divorce."Celibacy. (Matt., xix,. 2-12; Mark, x., 3-12.) ...
/.../section 224 his decision on.htm

Examples of Heathens Urged as Commendatory of Widowhood and ...
... Book I. Chapter VI."Examples of Heathens Urged as Commendatory of Widowhood
and Celibacy. But if they who have (wives) are (thus ...
/.../tertullian/to his wife/chapter vi examples of heathens urged.htm

Canons Appointed by the Council; Paphnutius, a Certain Confessor ...
... Book I. Chapter XXIII."Canons appointed by the Council; Paphnutius, a certain Confessor,
restrains the Council from forming a Canon enjoining Celibacy to all ...
/.../chapter xxiii canons appointed by the.htm

Discussion with Alypius Concerning a Life of Celibacy.
... Book VI. Chapter XII."Discussion with Alypius Concerning a Life of Celibacy.
21. It was in truth Alypius who prevented me from ...
/.../chapter xii discussion with alypius concerning.htm

Journey to Jerusalem. Concerning Divorce.
... because applicable to but three cases. Jesus is therefore speaking with regard
to celibacy and not divorce. He says that eunuchs are ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xcviii journey to jerusalem concerning.htm

Preface.
... and piety. Augustin shared with the Greek and Latin fathers the ascetic
preference for voluntary celibacy and poverty. He accepted ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/on the holy trinity/preface.htm

Chastity and Prayer.
... this way suffer very great hardships, or if he did not endure, to transgress the
word of Christ, the disciples say to him, taking refuge in celibacy as easier ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/25 chastity and prayer.htm

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