Paul was a Pharisee. That means he was of the highest order of Jewish Rabbis. I do believe that means that he must have been married at some point, and that he was a widower.
What evidence do you have that any of the other Apostles (and specifically Peter) were celibate? (Begin Jeopardy music).
While you are at it, what evidence do you have that the office of "Priest" or Pope was established in the first century? (Begin Double Jeopardy music).
What evidence do you have that any of the other Apostles (and specifically Peter) were celibate? (Begin Jeopardy music).
While you are at it, what evidence do you have that the office of "Priest" or Pope was established in the first century? (Begin Double Jeopardy music).
Ah evidence. You have the same evidence as I do. You choose to believe what you want anyway. My post was pointing out that both Christ and Paul defended celibacy, do you need me to quote chapter and verse for you? The only reason I can think of for attacking it is because it is too "Catholic" for some tastes.
The papacy was established by Christ with Peter, the chief apostle and first Pope. Again, I'm sure you're familiar with Scripture but your protestant sensibilities won't allow you to acknowledge the meaning that was obvious to all Christendom until Martin Luther came along and straightened things right out.
I find it highly interesting that you want me to offer proof for things that are blatantly evident in Scripture and then you turn around and indulge in speculation about Paul's marital status for which there is zero evidence in Scripture. You believe what you want to believe. Modern liberal Americans have a huge problem with anything that smacks of religious modesty or chastity. It has to be some form of oppression.