Complete—in Christ

The denial of the pairing “male and female” is particularly intriguing in its contradiction of Genesis 1:26: it may relate to Paul’s preference for celibacy as a better condition for both genders (1 Cor 7). Neither gender requires “completion” or “expression” through marriage (or sex), as each is independently valued and fulfilled in Christ.—J. M. G. Barclay, Paul and the Gift, 396n18