Of Virginity and Prophesying.

[Portrait Credit: “Virginity” by Paulina Taranek]
And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy - Acts 21:9 KJV
At first glance, I found the above scripture puzzling, somewhat offering unnecessary information. It would have been suffice to just state "Philip the evangelist had four daughters which prophesied."
Is there any benefit to the reader in knowing that the daughters were virgins? Is there any connection between a virgin and the ability to prophesy? Much can probably be extracted, if there be any substance, from the necessity to adjacent the two; Virginity and Prophecy. I’m not a Theologian but I value the Word of God as I seek to read and study it daily, so I know some important fundamentals.
Primarily, all scripture is inspired by God (2 Timothy 3:16). This follows that all writings of Scripture were done under the leading and authority of God. Every detail that God intended for readers and hearers to grasp was intentionally placed in the text. Consequently, it’s accurate to highlight that it was God’s intention to mention the virginity of the daughters alongside prophesying.
Virginity has a rich and fascinating history across all cultures. In some contexts, it has been a possession so prized to determine the qualification into marriage-hood. Needless to state, this has largely been biased towards women and abused by men who have not measured themselves by the same standard.
Some diabolical practices demand men to sleep with virgins, rape even, just to gain some fortune. Notwithstanding, some cultures do not regard imperative to refrain from sex and sexual activity before marriage as a thing to be emulated. This is true particularly in this current popular culture, a selfish culture that thrives on "if it feels good then it is right."
In sincerity there is plenty to consider about virginity that eludes even my capacity. Yet, I'm confident that virginity encapsulates and represents a setting apart before appointed time. It denotes deciding to give yourself only in the sanctity of an institution that will reciprocate such an offering. Virginity communicates a reservedness, a commitment and willingness to offer yourself to someone in the right manner and time. Keeping your virginity till marriage is a spiritual act. It remains priceless, despite our failings to keep it and flippancy about it's importance.
Obviously, some factors totally render my submission nonsense. For example, what then is the correct conclusion for those raped and those married?
Sadly, whenever you proclaim a truth, those on its contrary side feel that you are judging them. Just because we fault at attaining a good virtue does not make the truth obsolete. This is a flawed trait that has become viral. Just because I, Brad, don't subscribe to truth, doesn't make that truth a falsehood!
Truth is not a case of convenience, it remains truth even when we stagger in adhering to it.
So, is there really a connection between virginity and prophesying?
Honestly, I don't know!
But, boldly I submit that there is an undeniable relationship between chastity and manifesting the gifts of the Holy Spirit. That is an undeniable truth.
My truest find is that there is an unmistakable connection between someone who decides to keep themselves from engaging in fleshly appetites and how they get to fare in spiritual authority! One who is virgin in that regard proves to be authoritatively expressive in comparison to a one who is not restrained, who proves to be limited or even dormant.
If anything, keep yourself pure in God’s strength so that you can be a vessel unto honour to God. Be a virgin to whatever restricts you from exercising your God intended gift and purpose!
