MATTHEW 19:10-12
THOSE TO WHOM IT HAS BEEN GIVEN

In OT times, the possibility of remaining single was not a recognized option. Marriage was instituted by God and therefore it was regarded in the Jewish society as a religious duty and part of the normal life. The propagation of the family was another major reason to get married. Thus marriage was almost universal, and celibacy was considered abnormal.
In the NT, we find a somewhat different attitude toward the state of celibacy. Jesus’ teaching on that subject is recorded in Matthew 19:10-12. Let’s look at this passage. We will read from v. 9.