Scripture does not explicitly state whether Paul was married, but Les Feldick teaches that he likely was married and had children.
Les bases this on Paul's statement in Acts 26 that he voted to put believers to death, indicating Sanhedrin membership, which required a man to be a husband and father. However, the Bible never directly mentions Paul's marital status or family, leaving it as a reasonable inference rather than a clear statement.
Acts 26:10 — Paul's statement 'I gave my voice against them' indicates he participated in a voting body, which Les links to Sanhedrin membership.
The Bible does not explicitly state whether the Apostle Paul was married. His marital status is never mentioned in Acts or his epistles. In 1 Corinthians 7, Paul writes, 'I wish all men were even as I myself' (1 Corinthians 7:7), but he does not specify whether that refers to singleness or celibacy. Similarly, Peter is known to have had a wife because his mother-in-law is mentioned (Matthew 8:14), but no such reference exists for Paul. Scripture simply does not provide a clear answer.
Les Feldick teaches that Paul was likely married at one time and had children. He points to Paul's role in voting to execute believers (Acts 26:10), which suggests Paul was a member of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council. According to Les, Jewish law required Sanhedrin members to be husbands and fathers, so they could empathize with family problems. This is an inference, not a biblical statement. Les also notes that Paul was alone during his apostolic ministry, but he does not speculate on what happened to his family, suggesting they may have rejected his conversion or divorced him.
Les points to Acts 26:10 where Paul says he 'gave his voice against them' when believers were put to death. This implies he had a vote, which only Sanhedrin members had. Les argues that Paul could not have voted without being part of that ruling body.
Les explains, based on his understanding of Jewish law, that a Sanhedrin member had to be both a husband and a father. The reason was that a man needed to experience parenthood to identify with family problems and judge matters involving families wisely.
Les says that when Paul writes 'I wish all men were even as I myself' (1 Corinthians 7:7), it indicates he was unmarried at that time, but he was not against marriage. It also suggests he had been married before, because he knew what he was talking about. He was not a lifelong bachelor with a bias against marriage.
Why Israel Rejected the Gospel — Acts 8 Explained
it was. Verse 10. "...which thing I also did in Jerusalem." See how that fits with Acts 8 verse 1? "...and many of the saints..." Now those are Jewish saints, Jewish believers. "...and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority not from Caesar, not from Rome..." But where? "...the chief priest.
Sanhedrin Membership Requirements
Les explains that Paul's voting in Acts 26 implies Sanhedrin membership, which required being a husband and father, leading to the conclusion that Paul was married.
Paul's Apostolic Ministry and Singleness
Les notes that from all scriptural indications, Paul was alone during his apostolic ministry, but he had at one time been married and had children.
Possible Family Reaction to Paul's Conversion
Les speculates that Paul's wife and children may have rebelled against his conversion, possibly leaving him, but acknowledges this is his own idea.
Paul's Singleness in 1 Corinthians 7
Les interprets Paul's statement 'I wish all men were even as I myself' as evidence that Paul was single as an apostle but had been married before.
Paul's Vote Against Believers
Les highlights Paul's statement in Acts 26 that he gave his voice against believers, showing he was part of the Sanhedrin, which required marriage.
Did the Disciples Understand the Cross? Luke 18 Explained
Now read on. Wherefore, henceforth we know no man after the flesh, and here's why I know he's speaking of Jesus and his earthly ministry. The next statement, yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh. Now what do you think he's saying? Well, now reconstruct. Saul was no doubt about the same age as Christ. Near as I can discern from Scripture, he was probably contemporary with Christ in age.
Why Paul Was Never One of the Twelve — Acts 9 Explained
Now as Saul makes his way on up to Damascus, just a little ways north and east of the Sea of Galilee, the amazing thing is that all twelve of the original disciples were all chosen within the borders of then known Palestine. Not a one was chosen from Gentile territory. They were all commissioned while Jesus was in His earthly ministry within the borders of Israel.
Acts 26:10: Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them.
Paul's admission that he voted against believers, which Les uses to infer Sanhedrin membership.
1 Corinthians 7:7: For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that.
Paul's statement about being like him, which Les interprets as indicating he was single at the time but not against marriage.
Scripture does not explicitly say, but Les Feldick teaches that Paul was likely married because he was a member of the Sanhedrin, which required being a husband and father. However, the Bible is silent on what happened to his wife.
Les bases this on Paul's vote in Acts 26, indicating he was on the Sanhedrin, and Jewish law required Sanhedrin members to be husbands and fathers. He also sees 1 Corinthians 7 as evidence Paul had been married but was single at that time.
Les suggests it is likely Paul had children, based on the same Sanhedrin requirement. However, he admits this is an inference, and the Bible does not mention any children.
Watch the Teaching: Why Israel Rejected the Gospel — Acts 8 Explained