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So you dont think Paul views his celibacy as a gift when he says...

5 Defraud not one another, except, perhaps, by consent, for a time, that you may give yourselves to prayer; and return together again, lest Satan tempt you for your incontinency.

6 But I speak this by indulgence, not by commandment.

7 For I would that all men were even as myself: but every one hath his proper gift from God; one after this manner, and another after that.

8 But I say to the unmarried, and to the widows: It is good for them if they so continue, even as I.

And you dont feel this a Continuation of the Christian ideal proclaimed in Matthew 19

10 His disciples say unto him: If the case of a man with his wife be so, it is not expedient to marry.

11 Who said to them: All men take not this word, but they to whom it is given.

12 For there are eunuchs, who were born so from their mother's womb: and there are eunuchs, who were made so by men: and there are eunuchs, who have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven. He that can take, let him take it.

Can you honestly say you don't see the theme of "holiness" connected here? Obviously we all get that holiness is about being a moral person obeying God's will....BUT we also read in the Bible that to be holy is, more importantly, to be set apart from what is common or even commonly human. Holiness is being unique, set apart from this fallen world...in it, Yet not of it...

while priestly celibacy is not dogmatic or even doctrine..for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven...it has its purpose according to Jesus.

Oh, I understand what Paul is saying and don’t disagree with your post. My only point was that celibacy is clearly not commanded. I like your characterization of it as a gift. I think that perfectly describes Paul’s position - it is one of the spiritual gifts God gives to some to be used to benefit of the church body.