1 Corinthians 7:7
For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that.
Cross-reference
In 1 Corinthians 7:17, Paul instructs each to live according to God's calling, applying the principle that each has a distinct gift (including singleness) from God.
In 1 Corinthians 9:5, Paul notes his right to marry like other apostles, showing his singleness is a personal gift, not a rule.
In 1 Corinthians 12:11, the same Spirit apportions gifts to each as He wills, reinforcing that celibacy is one such gift distributed by God.
In 1 Corinthians 4:7, Paul reminds that everything we have is received from God, reinforcing that celibacy is a received gift, not a personal achievement.
In Matthew 19:11, Jesus says the ability to accept celibacy for the kingdom is given only to some, matching Paul's point that each has his own gift.
In Matthew 19:12, Jesus categorizes those who are celibate for the kingdom, illustrating Paul's point that singleness is a gift from God.
In Acts 26:29, Paul uses the same phrase 'become such as I am', showing his consistent longing for others to share his state, though about conversion.