Expert: Messianic Rabbi Yochanan Levine - 7/21/2007

Question
QUESTION:

The Oxford Study Bible

Matthew 19:10 The disciples said to him. If that is how things stand for a man with a wife, it is better not to marry . To this he replied , That is a course that not everyone can accept , but only those to whom God has appointed it. For while some are incapable of marriage because they were born so, or were made so by men, there are others who have renounced marriage for the sake of the kingdom of Heaven. Lets those accept who can
1 Corinthians 7:25
About the unmarried , I have no instructions from the Lord, but  I give my opinion as one who by the Lord's mercy is fit to be trusted. I think the best way for a man to live in a time of stress like the present is this - to remain as he is.

7:32 I want you to be free from anxious care. An unmarried man is concerned with the Lord's business : his aim is to please the Lord. But a married man is concerned with worldly affairs ; his aim to please his wife  and he is pulled in two  directions . The unmarried woman or girl is concerned with the Lord's business ; her aim is to be dedicated to him in body as in spirit. But the married woman is concerned with worldly affairs; her aim is to please her husband

1 Corinthians 7 support marriage over fornication and the including Jesus himself support both marriage and celibacy for us but for ministers it seems that  the status of celibacy it is stress and required due to conflict of interests.
According to the Gospels, Peter was married but we hardly read anything about be an man over his earthly family over his spiritual duties so the other apostles.

Paul, the great Apostle, a great minister choose celibacy too over marriage.

So, my main question is not better for ministers  to be single   
then ?

ANSWER: Hi Eusebio,

I Cor. 7:9 also supports your view here, but adds an important caveat:
"But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn."

Fornication is a very dangerous sin according to the Bible:

I Cor. 6:18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.

So, Paul's conclusion is that if one can "contain," celibacy is preferable to marriage for those engaged in the full time ministry. If the physical and mental sexual desires are so strong that they detract from one's service, it is better to "marry than to burn" in these desires and thereby be tempted by this powerfully destructive sin.

This practice is to be voluntary, not mandated. The same texts make it clear that priests and other ministers may also marry if they choose. There is no sin, no second class status.

Matthew 19:10 is talking about the prohibitions on re-marriage. One only has a single chance at a biblical marriage. One may divorce on the grounds of adultery, but not remarry. Biblically speaking. One can not divorce one's spouse for any other reason. This is tough! Considering this, it is reasoned, maybe it would be better to remain single! Of course, for devout Jews under the Law of Moses this wasn't really an option. Rebe Y'shua (Jesus) often argued that the "Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath." In other words, the Commandments should not be taken as legalistically as the Jews had been doing, especially as enforced/interpreted by the Oral Torah (which Y'shua rejected).

As for Paul's marital status, it seems clear that by the time he wrote to the Romans he was celibate (hence unmarried, probably widowed), however he also says:

Act 22:3: I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day.

Now the question of Paul's marital status.

Despite what many believe, the Torah places no extra obligations on rabbis, all Jews are under the same commands. Does the Torah require Jews to marry?

Yes, every Jew is obligated to marry. The first Mitzvah in the Torah is: "Be fruitful and multiply."

As Paul "sat at the feet of Gamaliel" it is obvious that he was married, otherwise he would not have been so honored. It is safe to assume therefore, even though the Bible is mute on the subject, that Paul had been married but was no longer under those obligations by the time he wrote the Romans.

As Paul stressed that "all things are lawful for me" he would have felt that under Y'shua's teachings he would have been free to re-marry, had he chosen, however he personally decided to remain celibate. He would also have been free to remarry had his wife died.

So... the answer seems to be that for those who are unmarried and in full time ministry, it is better to remain celibate (hence single -- I Cor 7:5) if one can bear the sexual desires, but that this is not required.

Hope this helps,
John of AllFaith

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank brother John for the answer , Paul broke from Jewish law , from opening the door to Gentiles and making Christ message universal to breaking the dietary laws too. So Jewish law not longer not longer was the main cannon law for the New Faith, our faith, Christianity. So far what we know for early Christianity is that Self Denial of the flesh was asked, Paul stress how the conflict between flesh and spirit and so far what we know is that early Christians stress in practicing chastity , nun and monks flourish during early Christianity and even marriage was not forbidden , chastity , poverty , devotion to was stress the Lord over any  political alliances and even rejection to violence was the norm to follow among  Christians  The Majority of the early Christians during the first three centuries of Early Christianity  , was made up by women, slaves, poor , uneducated and they seems to contrast their behavior with the one of mainstream Roman society. So the sexual inmorality, material display of wealth , violence was associated to the pagan Empire . Christians choose martydom over fighting back, giving the choice to defend themselves killing their enemies , they with great courage and bravery did not oppose resistance , singing praises to the Lord, they refused to raise the sword despite being thrown into circus with beast and gladiators. the Blood of Martyrs who died choosing non resistance over violence gave Christianity  and undisputable Moral Superiority and instead of reducing its growth boosted her spread all over the Ancient Roman world.
While under Jewish law, marriage was stress during the first three centuries of early Christianity , singleness was praise , both in man and women to dedicate to the Lord,
yes Paul like the rest of the disciples were supposed to be marriage under Jewish law. In some cases sometimes Jewish man did not marriage at early age , maybe it was unusual but not impossible. So the lack of mentioned in the Bible of any marriage in Paul situation. His own breakage from Jewish law , his own exortation toward be single and about Matthew 10/ the question was initiated about divorce but Jesus did n ot say that his answer apply only to divorce people. If he wanted to say so he could have say what I say is about divorce people .
And precisely when is say it is better to marriage than to burn proof that is a lesser evil not the best favorable stage
The usage of the comparison is clearly state
Another curious detail, neither the single women follower of Jesus , non mentioned of marriage and from most of the Jewish disciples who later became Christ follower not news of marriage. Marriage is necessary and it is needed
because the flesh is weak and it is better to burn than to fornicate even that even in marriage chastity seems to be prefer over flesh desire but then as Jesus says in Matthew 10 and Paul the former follower of Jewish law who broke the Jewish law and became Christ standarbearer, for a man or a woman Corinthians 7:25
About the unmarried , I have no instructions from the Lord, but  I give my opinion as one who by the Lord's mercy is fit to be trusted. I think the best way for a man to live in a time of stress like the present is this - to remain as he is.

7:32 I want you to be free from anxious care. An unmarried man is concerned with the Lord's business : his aim is to please the Lord. But a married man is concerned with worldly affairs ; his aim to please his wife  and he is pulled in two  directions . The unmarried woman or girl is concerned with the Lord's business ; her aim is to be dedicated to him in body as in spirit. But the married woman is concerned with worldly affairs; her aim is to please her husband

So it is not better for pastor to be celibate and the ministry only administer by men not women
The relaxation of norms during the V, VI , centuries when Christianity became politicized by the Byzantine empire brought an explosion of married priests ,
during the first three centuries of Early Christianity , I would like to contrast and compare the situation of pastors and marriage with the one later on .
The Church needed to ban such marriage practice not just due to the increasing amassing of material wealth , which produce scandal but because the needs of the wife and children interfere with the ability of pastors to dedicate themselves 100% to their sheeps and duties
The Church decision seems closer to me to the Apostolic message, the historical precedent and the Gospel references toward flesh duties , spirit and celibacy .
So again, using literal meaning not interpretation of Paul world in Cor. and Jesus in Matthew could be better for all ministers to synch their policies like , the Church had done  regarding marriage and pastors

thank you ,

Eusebio

Answer
Hi again,
As I read your follow-up it is obvious that you are very familiar with the Word of God and seek to go ever deeper, which is a wonderful thing. I commend you and praise God.

We have other teachings to consider as well however, for instance:

I Timothy 3
1 This is a true saying, If a man desireth the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
...
4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
5 (For if a man knoweth not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
...
8 Likewise must the deacons be grave, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre,
...
11 Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.
12 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children, and their own houses well....

And again, Titus 1:6:
If any is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children, not accused of riot, or disorderly...

So there is plenty of room for married people within the clergy. Indeed many Protestants take such verses to mean that one is forbidden to assume office within the Church unless one is married with children.

As for women, the Scripture seems clear enough:

I Cor 14:34 Let your women keep silence in the churches; for it is not permitted to them to speak: but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.
35 And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home; for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.

Understand that the Church of God is very diverse. Many Christian groups and individuals believe that by following the literal teachings of the Bible in all instances they demonstrate their faith and serve God fully and correctly.

Of course, people who take this approach often disagree about what the Word literally says and means. Historically this has caused a lot of division within the Body of Christ. Many such Believers were among the holy martyrs.

Likewise many equally devout and sincere Christians believe they should seek the Holy Spirit personally and serve God based on their inward realizations. Such Christians often view the Bible more as a holy guide than a holy law. Again, many who follow this path disagree on what God requires. Many of these Christians were also holy martyrs while others operated within the catacombs and in hiding spreading the faith more covertly and leading thousands to Christ, preserving the Scriptures, healing the sick etc.

In my opinion, the most advisable course is to follow God as the Holy Spirit leads in harmony with the Word. Association with like-minded Believers is always preferable. Some will be more fundamentalistic in their views, some more conservative, some more liberal, some more mystical, some will be monks and nuns, some will marry and parent godly children. Some will work in missions, some in schools, some in the world some apart from it.

I Cor 3:17: And whatever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

What we must carefully avoid doing is judging our sisters and brothers in their practice of the faith. Scripture is very clear on this point as well.

This is the topic of Romans 14.
My point is simply this: Love God and love your brothers and sisters as you love yourself.

I Cor. 3:14: And whatever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

Romans 14
1 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.
2 For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.
3 Let not him that eateth, despise him that eateth not; and let not him who eateth not, judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.
4 Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth: and he shall be held up: for God is able to make him stand.
5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.
6 He that regardeth the day, regardeth it to the Lord: and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.
7 For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.
8 For whether we live, we live to the Lord; and whether we die, we die to the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.
9 For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and the living.
10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at naught thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment-seat of Christ.
11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.
12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling-block, or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.
14 I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean by itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.
15 But if thy brother is grieved with thy food, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy food, for whom Christ died.
16 Let not then your good be evil spoken of:
17 For the kingdom of God is not food and drink, but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
18 For he that in these things serveth Christ, is acceptable to God, and approved by men.
19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things with which one may edify another.
20 For the sake of food, destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offense.
21 It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing by which thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.
22 Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.
23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eateth, because he eateth not from faith: for whatever is not from faith is sin....

And so, I believe that I must walk the Path given me by God in love and faith.
You must walk the Path given you by God in love and faith.
We are one in the Body of Christ.

I Cor 12:20 But now are they many members, yet but one body.
21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:
23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honorable, upon these we bestow more abundant honor; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.
24 For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honor to that part which lacked:
25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
26 And thus if one member suffers all the members suffer with it; or, if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.
27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly teachers, next miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of languages.
29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?
30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak in languages? do all interpret?
31 But covet earnestly the best gifts. And yet I show to you a more excellent way.

It is best that a person obeys the Voice of the Master granted to them and with this to be content.

May our amazing God bless and keep you always,

~John of AllFaith