Matthew 19:12

Epistle of Ignatius to the Smyrnaeans "He that is able to receive it, let him receive it."[38]

Epistle of Ignatius to the Smyrnaeans

Unless he believes that Christ Jesus has lived in the flesh, and shall confess His cross and passion, and the blood which He shed for the salvation of the world, he shall not obtain eternal life, whether he be a king, or a priest, or a ruler, or a private person, a master or a servant, a man or a woman. "He that is able to receive it, let him receive it."[40]

First Apology of Justin

And, "There are some who have been made eunuchs of men, and some who were born eunuchs, and some who have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake; but all cannot receive this saying."[20]

Shepherd of Hermas Similitude Fifth

[Keep the commandments of the Lord, and you will be approved, and inscribed amongst the number of those who observe His commands.] And if you do any good beyond what is commanded by God,[6]

Athenagoras A Plea for the Christians

Nay, you would find many among us, both men and women, growing old unmarried, in hope of living in closer communion with God.[128]

Clement of Alexandria Stromata Book III " Nos ergo propter dilectionem in Dominum, et propter ipsum honestum, amplectimur continentiam, templum Spiritus sanctificantes. Honestum enim est, "propter regnum coelorum seipsum castrare"[95]

Clement of Alexandria Stromata Book III

qui est sterilis, et non fert fructum, nec vitro institutione, nec sermone. Sed "qui se" quidem "castrarunt" ab omni peccato "propter regnum coelorum,"[190]

Clement of Alexandria Stromata Book III "Exsecranda" autem "dies in qua natus sum, et ut non sit optanda,"[191]

Clement of Alexandria Stromata Book III

Subjungit itaque: "Cur enim natus sum ut viderem labores et dolores, et in perpetuo probro fuerunt dies mei? "[192]

Tertullian On the Resurrection of the Flesh

-indicating, of course, virgins, and such as have become "eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake."[191]

Tertullian Of Patience

and raises the self-made eunuch to the realms of heaven.[147]

Tertullian On the Apparel of Women Book II

, and seal themselves up to eunuchhood for the sake of the kingdom of God,[91]

Tertullian To His Wife Book I

How many are there who from the moment of their baptism set the seal (of virginity) upon their flesh? How many, again, who by equal mutual consent cancel the debt of matrimony-voluntary eunuchs[65]

Tertullian On Monogamy " This (even) broader assertion we make: that even if the Paraclete had in this our day definitely prescribed a virginity or continence total and absolute, so as not to permit the heat of the flesh to foam itself down even in single marriage, even thus He would seem to be introducing nothing of "novelty; "seeing that the Lord Himself opens "the kingdoms of the heavens" to "eunuchs,"[9]

Tertullian On Monogamy

for, "each one shall die in his own sin; "and "eunuchs" not only have lost ignominy, but have even deserved grace, being invited into "the kingdoms of the heavens: "[50]

Tertullian On Monogamy

while He associates with these (children) others who, after marriage, remained (or became)virgins; "[70]

Tertullian On Monogamy

But He has withal premised that "the Spirit is prompt," in order that the Spirit may vanquish the flesh-that the weak may yield to the stronger. For again He says, "Let him who is able to receive, receive (it); "[103]

Tertullian De Fuga in Persecutione

These things, my brother, seem to you perhaps harsh and not to be endured; but recall that God has said, "He who receives it, let him receive it,"[58]

A Fragment of a Work of Pierius on the First Epistle of Paul to the Corinthians

added this remark: In saying this, Paul, without disguise, preaches celibacy.[4]

Methodius Discourse II. Theophila

according to the infallible words of the Lord; since it is not given to all to attain that undefiled state of being a eunuch for the sake of the kingdom of heaven,[20]

The First Epistle of Clement Concerning Virginity

who devote themselves to preserve virginity "for the sake of the kingdom of heaven; "[2]

Polycrates of Ephesus

Why should I speak of Sagaris, bishop and martyr, who rests at Laodicea? of the blessed Papirius, moreover? and of Melito the eunuch,[8]