Does the Bible say anything about a gift of celibacy?

TL;DR:

The Bible suggests that celibacy can be a gift from God, allowing some to focus more fully on serving Him without the distractions of marriage. While not everyone has this gift, those who do are called to use it for the sake of the kingdom with God's help and self-control.

what does the bible say?

The Bible teaches that celibacy can be a gift from God, enabling some people to serve Him without the distractions of marriage. Jesus and Paul both affirm that this gift is not for everyone but is given to those whom God enables to live a single, abstinent life. Some choose celibacy voluntarily to focus on ministry, while others may be celibate due to life circumstances. Paul emphasizes that both singleness and marriage are gifts from God, and each has value in His plan. Church leaders can be either single or married, depending on their calling and whether they have the gift of celibacy.

from the old testament

The Lord called Jeremiah to remain single because of the coming calamity that would befall Judah for their disobedience (Jeremiah 16:1-4).
Being called by the Lord to be single is different from circumstances that force celibacy onto some people. For instance, eunuchs are mentioned in reference to those serving in the kings’ court in the book of Esther. However, these men did not have the gift of celibacy; they were made to be celibate by force.

from the new testament

Matthew 19:9-12 records Jesus teaching that not everyone is called to marriage; some are given the unique gift of celibacy “for the sake of the kingdom of heaven.” Jesus affirms that this voluntary singleness is an honorable calling, not inferior to marriage, and requires God’s help to live out faithfully. The phrase “Let the one who is able to receive this receive it” highlights celibacy as a spiritual gift given to those equipped to embrace it.
In 1 Corinthians 7, Paul explains that he is celibate and that it is a gift from God. He explains that for some it is good to marry because of their sexual desire so that they will not sin through sexual immorality but instead fulfill those desires within marriage. However, he explains that singleness can also be good for some people: “I want you to be free from anxieties. The unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to please the Lord. But the married man is anxious about worldly things, how to please his wife, and his interests are divided" (1 Corinthians 7:32-34). Paul states this "as a concession, not a command" (1 Corinthians 7:6) and points out that both singleness and marriage are gifts from God (1 Corinthians 7:7).

implications for today

Within the Christian community, single, abstinent adults are often considered to have the gift of celibacy or the gift of singleness. This is not a "gift" in the same sense as the gifts of the Holy Spirit or “spiritual gifts" (1 Corinthians 12). The idea comes from two passages mentioned above.

Lifelong celibacy is a gift for some people but not everyone. Everyone is celibate for at least some time. For some that is only a short period of their adult lives whereas for others it may last decades and for others their whole lifetime. Jesus and Paul make it clear that the purpose of the so-called gift of celibacy is so that the person can focus on doing ministry for God's kingdom. While a person to whom God entrusts a period of celibacy will be equipped to live a single life, that person may still experience sexual temptation or desire for a family. They should trust in God to give them self-control and to fulfill those needs in other ways. It is also important to seek God's guidance and wisdom. Perhaps He has granted celibacy for a time and will replace the gift of being single with the gift of being married. No matter our life situation, we should continually seek God and rely on Him.

The Catholic church and a few Protestant denominations require priests or church leaders to be celibate. On the other hand, some Protestant denominations require church leaders to be married. Marriage helps protect their sexual purity and also provides them with a partner in their ministry (1 Timothy 3:12). However, the Bible supports both single and married leaders. Single leaders have the benefit of not being divided between their responsibility to their family and their ministry in the church. Married leaders, meanwhile, benefit from the support and partnership of their spouse as they carry out their ministry. Ultimately, whether single or married, God equips each leader according to His purpose, and both callings can serve His kingdom effectively when embraced with faithfulness and wisdom.

understand

Celibacy is a spiritual gift from God given to some individuals to serve Him without the distractions of marriage, but it is not for everyone.
Both singleness and marriage are gifts from God, each with value and purpose in His kingdom plan.
God equips all people to serve His kingdom effectively, whether they are single or married.

reflect

How do you personally view celibacy—whether permanent or temporary?
How can you support or appreciate those who are called to celibacy or singleness for the sake of kingdom work?
How do you seek God’s guidance and strength in your own life situation, whether single or married, to serve Him faithfully?

engage

How can believers better recognize and honor the gift of celibacy or marriage as valid callings for ministry?
What challenges and blessings have single or celibate members of our church experienced in their walk with God and ministry?
How does understanding celibacy as a gift shape our view of leadership roles within the church and the different callings God gives?