9 Bible Verses about Celibacy
Most Relevant Verses
thereupon his disciples said, if the case between man and wife be such, it is best not to marry.
the unmarried is religiously concerned, how he may please the Lord:
Now as to the question you writ to me about; "whether it is best for a man not to marry?"
for I wish that all men were as I myself am: but every man hath his proper gift from God, some one way, and some another.
I think therefore it is best, considering the present distress, I say, it is best, for a single person to continue so still.
a bishop therefore ought to be of an unspotted character, to have but one wife, to be sober, prudent, grave, hospitable, and qualified for teaching:
Now the spirit says expresly, that in the latter times some shall abandon the faith, by giving credit to seducing spirits, and the doctrine concerning demons; broach'd by hypocrititical impostors, whose consciences are cauteriz'd, interdicting marriage; and the use of animal food; which God created for the repast of the faithful, who embrace the truth with thankfulness.
these are they who were not defiled with women: for they are virgins: these are they who follow the lamb wherever he goes: these were ransom'd from among men, being the first fruits unto God, and to the lamb.
thereupon his disciples said, if the case between man and wife be such, it is best not to marry. but he reply'd, 'tis not everyman can live single, but only such as have the gift of continency. as there are some eunuchs, who were such from their very birth: and others who were made such by men: so there are some who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of religion. he that can bear the state of celibacy, let him bear it.
From Thematic Bible
Stoicism » Paul teaches » Celibacy
The wife is bound as long as her husband lives: but if her husbnd be dead, she is at liberty to be married, if she pleases; provided it be to a christian. but she will be happier, if she remain a widow, in my opinion: and I think the divine spirit suggests the same.
Now as to the question you writ to me about; "whether it is best for a man not to marry?" I answer, with regard to the licentious, it is best for a man, to have his wife; and for a woman to have her husband. let the husband discharge his obligations to his wife: and likewise the wife to the husband. read more.
the wife has not the right of her own person, but the husband: and so likewise the husband has not the right of his own person, but the wife. don't desert one another, unless you mutually consent to retire for a time, to the solemnity of prayer; and then come together again, lest satan make an attempt upon your continency. but as for the rest, I speak it by way of counsel, and not of command. for I wish that all men were as I myself am: but every man hath his proper gift from God, some one way, and some another. As to the unmarried and widows, I say, it is best for them to continue so, as I do. but if they have not the gift, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to be in pain.
As to the case of celibacy, I have no positive instructions: yet my advice deserves to be regarded, as coming from one the divine favour has distinguished. I think therefore it is best, considering the present distress, I say, it is best, for a single person to continue so still.
the unmarried is religiously concerned, how he may please the Lord: he that is married is worldly concern'd, how he may please his wife.
