9:4 9:4

1 Corinthians 9:5

9:6 9:6

Bible Versions

Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and [as] the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas?
Have we {G2192} not {G3378} power {G1849} to lead about {G4013} a sister {G79}, a wife {G1135}, as well as {G5613}{G2532} other {G3062} apostles {G652}, and {G2532} as the brethren {G80} of the Lord {G2962}, and {G2532} Cephas {G2786}?
Don’t we have the right to take along with us a believing wife, as do the other emissaries, also the Lord’s brothers and Kefa?
Have we no right to take along a believing wife, as do the other apostles and the Lord’s brothers and Cephas?
Have we no right to lead about a wife that is a believer, even as the rest of the apostles, and the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas?

Commentary on 1 Corinthians 9:5

In 1 Corinthians 9:5, the Apostle Paul continues his defense of his apostolic rights and freedoms, particularly regarding financial support and the right to have a believing wife accompany him in ministry. This verse highlights a common practice among other apostles, including Peter (Cephas) and the Lord's own brothers, to travel with their wives, who were also believers and presumably supported by the Christian communities they ministered to.

Context

This verse is part of Paul's extended argument in 1 Corinthians 9, where he defends his apostleship and his right to receive financial support from the Corinthians. Although he possessed these rights, he often chose not to exercise them, so as not to hinder the spread of the Gospel or give cause for criticism. He asserts his legitimacy by drawing parallels with other well-known apostles and figures, implying that if they had such rights, he certainly did too. Paul's discussion here is foundational to understanding his principle of self-denial for the sake of the Gospel, which he elaborates on later in the chapter.

Key Themes

  • Apostolic Rights and Support: The verse firmly establishes the right of those engaged in full-time ministry, especially apostles, to be supported financially. This support extended not just to the minister but also to their family.
  • Companionship in Ministry: It underscores the normalcy and acceptance of apostles traveling with their believing wives, who likely assisted in various ways within the ministry.
  • Precedent from Other Apostles: Paul appeals to the practices of prominent figures like Peter (Cephas) and the Lord's brothers (such as James, mentioned in Galatians 1:19) to validate his own claims. This shows that having a wife accompany an apostle was a recognized and accepted norm.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "power" here is exousia (ἐξουσία), which signifies authority, right, or liberty. Paul is asserting his legitimate right, not just a mere ability. The phrase "lead about a sister, a wife" refers to the practice of traveling with a believing wife. The term "sister" (ἀδελφὴν γυναῖκα - adelphēn gunaika) emphasizes that the wife was also a Christian believer, a "sister in Christ," highlighting their shared faith and purpose in ministry.

Practical Application

This verse offers several enduring insights for believers today:

  • Support for Ministers: It reinforces the biblical principle that those who dedicate their lives to ministry have a right to be supported by the church (cf. 1 Corinthians 9:14). This includes providing for their families.
  • The Role of Spouses in Ministry: The mention of apostles traveling with their wives highlights the significant role that spouses can play in supporting and participating in ministry alongside their partners.
  • Balancing Rights and Sacrifice: While Paul asserts his rights, his ultimate point in this chapter is his willingness to voluntarily set them aside for the greater good of the Gospel. This teaches us the importance of discerning when to exercise our Christian liberties and when to forgo them for the sake of others or the mission (see also 1 Corinthians 8:9).
Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • John 1:42

    And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.

  • Matthew 8:14

    ¶ And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother laid, and sick of a fever.

  • Galatians 1:19

    But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother.

  • Hebrews 13:4

    Marriage [is] honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.

  • Acts 1:14

    These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.

  • 1 Corinthians 7:39

    ¶ The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.

  • 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.
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