Celibacy is a gift from God, but not everyone has this gift. Jesus said, “Not everyone can accept this word, but only those to whom it has been given. For some are eunuchs because they were born that way; others were made that way by men; and others have renounced marriage because of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it.” (Matthew 19:11-12)
Those who are celibate for the sake of the kingdom of God can serve God in ways that a married person cannot. For example, suppose an opportunity arose for preaching the gospel in a remote and difficult area of the world and there were two candidates for the job: one is celibate and the other is married with a young family. The obvious choice in this case would be the one who is celibate and free from the responsibility that goes with raising a young family.
This is not to say that celibacy is a superior gift to marriage. It’s not. Though it is different. The work God has called me to undertake has been blessed by being married with a family. I would be greatly hampered if they were not part of my life and ministry.
In the early church (and we need to be the same as them), the apostles were married and Peter speaks of his believing wife. (1 Corinthians 9:3-5). Furthermore, in the church of Christ the Bible tells us that the bishops were to be married. The Bible says a bishop was to be ‘the husband of one wife… He must manage his own family well and see that this children obey him with proper respect. If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?’ (1 Timothy 3:1-5)
It is not in harmony with the Bible to teach that to be a priest one must be celibate. You may want to read our article on Priesthood.