Unity and Diversity: Celibacy or Marriage?

Class Outline:

Thursday July 31, 2025

 

 

Main Theme: The condition of celibacy has dignity. 

 

In our last section, the condition of marriage has dignity as intended by God in its origin. 

 

The condition of celibacy is a gift from God. Christ will clarify this gift by giving its three foundations.

 

There is a great diversity in the body of Christ, different spiritual and physical gifts.

 

Jesus sets both marriage and celibacy side by side and gives them both heavenly dignity. 

 

Both have their troubles.

 

The theme of this passage continues to emphasize sacrifice in the realm of freedom.

MAT 19:10-12

 

The church has often been guilty of taking Jesus’ teaching to fanatical depths. 

 

Is He cautioning us, or is He calling us higher (to the heart of the Law)? 

 

Not everyone can handle this

 

Celibacy is not for everyone, not even the apostles. Jesus honors both marriage and celibacy. 

 

Jesus praises celibacy and sets free the people who have the gift - freedom from societal norms.

 

Three categories

 

Born a eunuch (euphemism) - born to be single, i.e. hereditary. 

 

Castrated (much more common in ancient world, Ethiopian in Act 8) - environmental trauma might be an equivalent.  

 

Will to single life for the kingdom of heaven (euphemism) - “whoever can handle it - handle it (1CO 7:7). 

 

A gift: “Those to whom it has been given”

 

There are physical traits that God gives which He will use to His glory.

 

For the kingdom of heaven - not for all (1Co 7). 

 

This reveals that there are many differences in the body of Christ and traditions may seek to deny some of them. 

 

Christ sets all free to serve Him and to overcome opposition or bias or prejudice. 

 

False interpretation by Catholic Church required celibacy for the priesthood: From Vatican II: “The gift of celibacy will be generously bestowed by the Father, as long as those who share in Christ’s priesthood through the sacrament of orders, and indeed the whole Church , humbly and earnestly pray for it … It is never denied to those who ask.”

 

Each Christian should consider if they have this gift, and if not, “they have not sinned.” (1CO 7:28). 

 

Unity and diversity in the body of Christ:

 

EPH 4:4-7 There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all. 7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift.

 

1 Cor 12:4-7 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. 6 There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons.  7 But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.

 

Conclusion to “single life.” 

 

There is no exaltation of celibacy over marriage. Both are given their dignity. 

 

Neither should feel second class or pressured by society or others. Follow Him. 

 

Neither way is going to be easy (no way that God sends us is all comfort). Life in this age has not been arranged for our comfort. 

 

Have the courage to follow God’s plan for your life, and remove the pride of following your own (1CO 7:7; 1CO 7:25-29; 1CO 7:38).