The Bible is one of the most widely acclaimed sources of spiritual and moral guidance. Most of us have heard of St. Paul, who was a key figure in the spread of the Gospel in the 1st century A.D.. But beyond his obvious accomplishments, human curiosity inevitably considers the burning question of whether Paul of the Bible ever married.
While there is no definitive answer to this question, there is still much that can be said on the topic. Historical records indicate that Paul was most likely a widower when he began his mission of taking the Gospel to the gentiles. For example, according to tradition, he had been married at one time and had children. Additionally, Paul’s writings demonstrate that he was familiar with marriage and domestic life. He discussed marriage often in his letters to the Corinthians and in his other works.
Paul’s view of marriage is that it is a good thing. He speaks positively of married life and encourages those who are married to maintain a strong and fulfilling relationship. However, he also understands the difficulty some experience in their marriages and the sacrifices one may have to make in ensuring the right balance between husband and wife. For instance, in his letter to the Corinthians, Paul lists things that a husband must do for his wife such as provide for her, protect her, and love her. He also teaches that a wife must do her part by submission and respect.
So, while Paul himself may not have been married, his experience as a widower may have shed light on the value of marriage and its importance in his mission. Paul was a passionate evangelist and missionary, and his brief marital experience may have helped to fuel his commitment to growing God’s kingdom. On the other hand, there is evidence to suggest that he considered devoting himself to the service of the Lord to be an alternative to marriage. Some theologians suggest that Paul’s passion for serving God through evangelism kept him from seeking another partner.
Evangelicals also contend that Paul’s focus was on making sure that the church’s teachings on chastity, monogamy, and gender roles were followed. Conservatives and complementarians suggest that Paul may have been a lifelong bachelor in order to amplify his commitment to the cause of spreading the Gospel. There is also the possibility that Paul may have seen marriage as a distraction from his work.
Aside from this, there is also the possibility that Paul was simply waiting for the right person to come along and did not think it wise to settle for anything less. Regardless of the reason, despite his own marital status, Paul had a keen understanding of marriage, and his teachings about it have been hugely influential for centuries.
Paul’s Perspective on Divorce
Paul was familiar with the Old Testament laws on marriage and the New Testament teachings on divorce and remarriage, and he had strong views on these topics. Paul firmly believed in the sanctity of marriage and felt that it was God’s will for couples to stay married. He wrote that a married couple must remain together and accept each other as they are and not get divorced.
Paul had no qualms about condemning those who did not take the sanctity of marriage seriously and felt that those who divorced had no right to remarry. He argued that someone who divorces and remarries is committing adultery and will be liable to the consequences. Paul also taught that a husband can not reject or divorce his wife unless the wife was guilty of sexual immorality.
At the same time, Paul recognized that in some cases, couples may find themselves in difficult, seemingly unsolvable situations. He taught that when couples are in such a situation, they can seek the help of their pastors, who would provide advice and counsel. Paul also encouraged couples to be open and honest about their feelings, to talk about their issues and to spend more time in prayer, asking the Lord to provide strength and wisdom.
The Example of Paul in Marriage
Though Paul never married, he had a unique perspective on marriage that has been beneficial to many. Paul recognized marriage as something special and saw it as an opportunity to live out Christ-like love. He encouraged couples to put the needs of their partner before their own, as well as love, respect, and honour each other in everything. He also taught them to remain faithful to one another, even in difficult times and reminded them to thank God for the gift of marriage.
Paul’s views on marriage are reflected in many of his letters. For example, in one of the letters that he sent to the Corinthians, Paul addresses several issues related to marriage. He teaches those in the congregation to respect their spouses, to serve them, to have compassion and understanding for each other, and to take time for romantic moments and intimate conversations.
In other letters, Paul extols the benefits of being in a committed, loving relationship. He speaks of the unique bond that couples share and encourages them to build upon it. He also advises them to forgive each other when they make mistakes and to remember that their union is a covenant before God. For Paul, marriage is a symbol of spiritual growth, a way for two people to journey together towards the fullness of the gospel.
Paul’s Words of Wisdom in Modern Culture
Paul’s words on marriage still ring true today. His teachings on the importance of respect, kindness, and communication are especially relevant in today’s world. In an age where divorce is increasingly common, Paul’s teachings are part of the reminder that we must persevere and work at our marriages, and that this is one of the best investments we can make for our lives.
In a society often beset by selfishness and self-promotion, Paul’s message of self-sacrifice in marriage takes on special significance. His word encourages us to think of marriage as a journey of spiritual growth and to remember that our unions must reflect God’s love. As we can see, while Paul of the Bible may not have been married himself, the wisdom he shared on the subject still holds tremendous relevance today.
Paul’s Views on Polygamy
Paul was firmly opposed to polygamy and bigamy, which were then commonplace in the Middle East. He strongly condemned both practices and considered them as breaking the original principles of marriage according to God. Additionally, Paul taught that it was wrong for men to take multiple wives, and that this could cause disruption and jealousy among families.
Paul’s other teachings admonish people to remain faithful to one partner and to be true to their marriage vows. He believed that polygamy and bigamy violated covenants and could potentially lead to broken homes and emotional pain. Paul would have also argued that polygamy undermined and demeaned the value and purpose of marriage of becoming one.
Paul was equally vocal in his opposition to the practice of concubinage, which was also rampant during his time. He believed that such practices degraded the purpose and sanctity of marriage, and opposed them on moral grounds. Furthermore, Paul argued that men should not use concubines as a substitute for an actual committed relationship and urged them to deny their base instincts.
Paul’s Admonition against Unfaithfulness in Marriage
Paul also had strong views on adultery and was outspoken in his teachings against it. He argued that affairs or relationships outside of marriage were a grave sin against God and could cause immense hurt and damage to the offended partner. Paul argued that the only appropriate form of sexual intimacy is between a husband and wife, and that this should remain faithful and exclusive.
Paul taught that couples should view each other with reverence and respect, and that faithfulness was not only important for their relationship, but also for their spiritual growth. He also warned against indulging in promiscuity or prostitution, and taught that physical intimacy is reserved for the marriage union. Paul was thus an outspoken advocate for faithfulness in marriage and admonished Christians to honour their marriage covenant.
Paul’s Empathetic Advice on Marriage
Paul also frequently wrote about relationships and marriage in a way that was empathetic and understanding. He is noted for his sympathetic and compassionate words of advice to couples in difficult times, such as reminding them of the kindness they must show towards each other or providing guidance on how they should approach their problems.
Paul also stresses the power of prayer in times of hardship. He wrote that couples should come together and approach God in prayer, asking for strength and guidance as they go through their difficulties. For Paul, prayer can be especially potent in times of strife and pain as it can help couples refocus on the love that bound them together in the first place.
He also expressed his belief that couples should have the courage to strive to make their relationships work, and that forgiving and understanding each other can often be the best remedy for repairing broken marriages. By approaching their problems in such a way, couples can be blessed with a deeper connection that can enhance their marriage.
