A Historical and Theological Exploration

The question of why Jesus never explicitly mentions homosexuals in the Bible is a subject of much discussion among theologians, historians, and believers. The Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—contain the teachings and actions of Jesus as recorded by his earliest followers. While these texts address many aspects of human behavior and morality, they do not contain direct references to homosexuality. This absence has led to various interpretations and debates regarding its significance.

The Historical Context of the Gospels

Understanding why Jesus did not mention homosexuals requires an exploration of the cultural and historical context of first-century Judea. The society in which Jesus lived was shaped by Jewish law (the Torah), Greco-Roman influences, and traditional social norms. Issues concerning ritual purity, charity, justice, divorce, and treatment of the marginalized were frequent subjects of debate and teaching.

In the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament), there are a handful of passages that have traditionally been interpreted as relating to same-sex relations. However, during Jesus’ time, these references were not at the forefront of religious discourse. Topics such as poverty, oppression, and hypocrisy among religious leaders were far more immediate concerns for Jesus and his followers.

Jesus’ Focus on Core Teachings

A review of the Gospels shows that Jesus concentrated much of his teaching on love, compassion, forgiveness, and justice. He frequently challenged social divisions—between rich and poor, righteous and sinner, Jew and Gentile. When addressing sexual ethics, his primary focus was on issues such as adultery, marriage, divorce, and lust (e.g., Matthew 5:27-32).

Notably, Jesus often associated with those marginalized by society, such as tax collectors, women, lepers, and others considered “outsiders.” His teachings revolved around the commandment to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39), emphasizing inclusion over exclusion.

Lack of Direct References

There are no undisputed statements by Jesus on same-sex relationships or homosexuality in the canonical Gospels. Some scholars argue that this silence may reflect the fact that homosexuality was either not a prominent topic in his immediate cultural context, or it was not seen as a pressing moral or social issue compared to others.

Others suggest that Jesus’ approach was more holistic, focusing on the transformation of the heart and relationships rather than on codifying specific rules about every possible behavior. Thus, his teachings may have intentionally left certain topics unaddressed, leaving room for followers to apply the principles of love and justice to changing circumstances.

Interpretation and Debate

Throughout Christian history, different traditions have interpreted the Bible’s silence on certain issues in various ways. Some believe that what is not expressly condemned is not necessarily disapproved of, while others look to the broader biblical witness for guidance. Passages from Paul’s epistles and other New Testament writings have sometimes been cited in discussions about same-sex relationships, but these are distinct from Jesus’ own words.

For many modern Christians, Jesus’ silence on homosexuality is interpreted as a call to focus on his overarching message of love, mercy, and justice for all people. Others believe that the moral teachings of the early Church, as reflected in Paul’s letters, should be considered when forming ethical opinions.

Conclusion

In sum, the Gospels do not record Jesus directly mentioning or addressing homosexuality. The reasons for this may include the cultural context of his ministry, his focus on broader ethical and spiritual issues, and his emphasis on love and compassion. Ultimately, Jesus’ silence on this topic has opened a space for ongoing conversation within Christian communities about inclusion, interpretation, and the application of ancient teachings to contemporary life.

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Norman R. Van Etten