9 Bible Verses about Celibacy
Most Relevant Verses
"If that is the position of a man in relation to his wife," answered the disciples, "it is better not to marry."
So I want you to be free from all anxieties. An unmarried man is anxious about the Lord's business, how he may please the Lord;
Now concerning the question in your letter. It is well for a man to have no intercourse with a woman,
I would that every one lived as I do; but each man has his own special gift from God, one this, another that.
I think then, that in view of the time of suffering now imminent, it is best for a man to remain as he is.
The minister should be a man of blameless character; he should be husband of but one wife; he should live a sober, self-restrained, orderly life; he should be hospitable, skilled in teaching;
Now the Spirit distinctly declares that in latter days there will be some who will fall away from the faith, by listening to spirits of error, and to teachings of demons speaking lies in hypocrisy. These are men whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron, who discourage marriage, and enjoin abstinence from foods which God created to be received with thankfulness, by those who believe, and have a clear knowledge of the truth.
These are they who were not defiled with women; for they are celibates. They follow the Lamb wherever he goes. They have been redeemed from among men to be the first-fruits unto God and the Lamb.
"If that is the position of a man in relation to his wife," answered the disciples, "it is better not to marry." He answered them. "Not all are accepting this teaching, but only those to whom it has been granted. "For there are eunuchs who have been such from birth; others who have been made such by men; and others who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of God. He who is able to receive this, let him receive it."
From Thematic Bible
Stoicism » Paul teaches » Celibacy
A wife is bound to her husband during his lifetime; but if her husband dies, she is free to marry whomever she will, provided it be in the Lord. But she is happier, in my judgment, if she remains as she is; and I think that I, too, have the Spirit of God.
Now concerning the question in your letter. It is well for a man to have no intercourse with a woman, but because there is so much immorality let each man have his own wife; and let each women have her own husband. Let the husband give his wife her due, and likewise the wife her husband. The wife is not mistress of her own person, read more.
but her husband is; and in the same way the husband is not master of his own person, but his wife is. Do not refuse one another, unless it is only temporary and by mutual consent, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again, lest through your lack of self-control Satan begin to tempt you to sin. But what I have just said is by way of concession, not command. I would that every one lived as I do; but each man has his own special gift from God, one this, another that. But to the unmarried, and the widows, I say that it is well for them to remain as I am. If, however, they are not exercising self-control, by all means let them marry; for marriage is better than the fever of passion.
I have no command from the Lord to give you concerning unmarried women; but I give you my opinion, and it is that of a man who, through the Lord's mercy, is deserving of your confidence. I think then, that in view of the time of suffering now imminent, it is best for a man to remain as he is.
So I want you to be free from all anxieties. An unmarried man is anxious about the Lord's business, how he may please the Lord; but a married man is anxious about worldly affairs, how he may please his wife, and he is divided in his mind.
