Plantation SDA Church

Deeper Theme: Celibacy may be an option, not in order to obtain the Kingdom, but in order to further it.

Why is it that in the Bible it is always the man that divorces his wife, and not the other way around?

• It was a man thing… they asked Him.

• Women did not really have that option

• Patriarchal society →the man is the boss!

Does what Jesus says to men also apply to women?

• If women had asked the question…

• Men and women are tempted alike.

• Abuse usually comes from the one that feels more in power.

Is “never getting married” the solution to avoid complications?

• It may be for some.

• Celibacy is not for everybody.

• Better to marry than to burn! (1Cor. 7:9)

Are there eunuchs that were born like that?

• Congenital illness (physical abnormality)

• Functionality issues

Who are the eunuchs made by men?

• War prisoners

• Royal housekeepers (e.g. Esther, Daniel) → Montesquieu: Persian Letters

• Tenor singers (➔ 18th century)

Who are the eunuchs that made themselves eunuchs for the Kingdom of Heaven’s sake?

• Monks and hermits (?)

• Self-castration/mutilation (?) → Origen

• They remained unmarried (e.g. Paul)

Take Away

• Sexual attraction is not evil per se; mutilation of the body doesn’t take away sexual attraction.

• Celibacy may be an option not in order to obtain the Kingdom, but in order to further the Kingdom.