Let’s examine the historical and cultural context of marriage in Rome during the first century to gain a better understanding of the New Testament. In Roman law of the 1st century, it was illegal for a man or woman not to be married between the ages of 25 and 60 (for men) and 20 and 50 (for women). So, for the Romans, celibacy was a crime, and there were restrictions on those who were celibate; this is one of the many issues that put Christians at odds with the Roman Empire. Especially Paul, because he was celibate and encouraged (but did not require) celibacy in 1 Corinthians 7.