The New Testament addresses the topic of homosexuality in several passages, offering insights into how the early church understood and responded to same-sex relations in the context of their time. Here is an overview of the key New Testament texts that mention homosexuality and what we can learn from them:
Romans 1:26-27
In Romans 1, Paul describes the sinful behavior of pagan Gentiles who rejected God and engaged in idolatry. As a result of their rebellion against God, He gave them over to impurity and degrading passions. This included homosexual behavior:
For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error. (Romans 1:26-27 ESV)
Paul viewed homosexual acts as unnatural, impure, shameful, and error. However, it’s important to note that Paul is depicting homosexuality as an outcome of God’s wrath against sinful idolatry, not as a sin in and of itself. His main point here is to illustrate humanity’s universal need for redemption through Christ.
1 Corinthians 6:9-11
In 1 Corinthians 6, Paul provides a list of sins that won’t inherit God’s kingdom. This list includes homosexuality:
Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. (1 Corinthians 6:9-11 ESV)
Here, Paul clearly identifies “men who practice homosexuality” as sinful and outside of God’s kingdom. However, he also notes that some of the Corinthian Christians used to engage in homosexual behavior until they were washed, sanctified, and justified by Christ. This indicates that faith in Christ offers hope and transformation for those struggling with homosexuality.
1 Timothy 1:9-10
Later, in 1 Timothy, Paul includes homosexuality in a list of sins that stand opposed to sound doctrine:
…understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine… (1 Timothy 1:9-10 ESV)
Again, homosexuality is labeled as a grave sin. But it’s also included among other sins that require God’s grace, redemption, and transformation.
Jude 1:7
The book of Jude references Sodom and Gomorrah as examples of those who indulged in sexual immorality and perversion:
…just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire. (Jude 1:7 ESV)
This alludes back to Genesis 19, when the men of Sodom pursued homosexual relations with Lot’s angelic visitors. Jude condemns this behavior as sexually immoral, unnatural, and warranting judgment.
Implications
While the New Testament clearly identifies homosexual behavior as sinful, it does so in contexts that include all people as needing God’s redemption. The call is to transformation through Christ, not condemnation.
At the same time, the New Testament does not provide examples of permissible, blessed same-sex relationships. Its language assumes heterosexual marriage as God’s design.
So according to the New Testament, those who engage in homosexual activity—like all people—are in need of repentance and forgiveness through Christ. Sanctification includes either practicing celibacy and self-control or embracing God’s design for sexuality in heterosexual marriage.
There is no doubt the Bible identifies homosexuality as morally wrong. But it does so using grace-filled language, calling all sinners to repentance and a renewed life in Christ.
Old Testament Context
While this article focuses on the New Testament, it can be helpful to understand the Old Testament foundations that inform the New Testament view of homosexuality:
Genesis 1-2
These creation accounts depict marriage as a union between a man and a woman (Genesis 2:24). This heterosexual design sets the mold for God’s intended sexual ethics.
Leviticus 18:22 & 20:13
In the Mosaic Law given to Israel, homosexuality is explicitly condemned and called an “abomination” that defiles God’s intent for holy sexuality. The punishment is death (Leviticus 20:13).
Genesis 19
This passage describes attempted homosexual rape when the men of Sodom try to have relations with Lot’s angel visitors. Their behavior illustrates sexual perversion warranting judgment.
Judges 19
The attempted rape of the Levite’s concubine in Judges echoes Genesis 19 as an example of sexual immorality linked to homosexuality.
So the Old Testament provides the moral framework inherited by New Testament authors and early Jewish-Christian culture—one that affirms sex exclusively within a male-female marriage. Homosexual behavior is considered impure, unnatural, and contrary to God’s design.
Further Details on Key Passages
To offer more context on the key New Testament passages mentioned earlier:
Romans 1:26-27
– In Romans 1, Paul is making the case that all humanity stands guilty before God and can only find redemption in Christ. Pagan idolatry is an example of rebellion that leads to many vices.
– The homosexual acts described here are likely temple prostitution, pederasty, and sexual exploitation in the Roman culture Paul critiques. He condemns these coercive, lust-driven, and transactional same-sex acts as morally impure.
– However, Paul does not have long-term, loving same-sex relationships in view here. His concern is idolatry and excess. This passage alone cannot comprehensively address contemporary questions of homosexuality and the church.
1 Corinthians 6:9-10
– In 1 Corinthians, Paul offers examples of those outside God’s kingdom that the Corinthian church used to be, demonstrating the exclusivity of unrepentant sin.
– The Greek terms translated “men who practice homosexuality” likely refer to the passive and active partners in male homosexual activity. This is not a broad reference to inclusive same-sex practice today.
– Here, Paul is urging the Corinthians to holy living and sexual purity in accord with God’s kingdom ethics, while welcoming those who leave their old lifestyles behind.
1 Timothy 1:9-10
– The list in 1 Timothy functions the same as 1 Corinthians 6—illustrating sins that are counter to “sound doctrine.”
– It’s a general list of prevailing vices in the Greco-Roman culture being addressed, requiring careful sexual ethics as an alternative.
– But again, the homosexuality in view is likely pederasty, prostitution, and other exploitative practices of the time. It does not translate neatly to committed, consensual same-sex unions today.
So in summary, the New Testament contains five passages that mention homosexuality in contexts of sexual sin, covetous desire, and rebellion against God’s design. Jewish cultural attitudes heavily informed the biblical view.
The New Testament does not address contemporary questions of sexual orientation, same-sex marriage, or long-term same-sex relationships, though its precedent of heterosexual marriage as God-ordained does carry ethical weight.
Overall, the New Testament response to homosexuality is grace for sinners of all kinds through Christ, change toward holiness, and reliance on the Spirit to grow in God’s truth and design for human flourishing.